Ukraine Requests IMO To Monitor Ports In Odesa Due To Escalating Russian Attacks
Ukraine has formally requested the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to send a monitoring mission to the southern Odesa ports as Russian missile attacks on the region escalate.
These attacks have targeted Ukraine’s critical port infrastructure, threatening global food security, with four foreign-flagged civilian vessels damaged since October 6.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that millions worldwide could face starvation due to the destruction of grain storage and shipping facilities.
Russia has launched over 60 attacks on Ukraine’s ports since the invasion began in 2022, damaging more than 300 port infrastructure sites and civilian ships, significantly disrupting the grain trade.
Recent strikes destroyed over 100,000 tons of agricultural products essential to global markets, impacting grain shipments to countries like Egypt, Italy, and even humanitarian aid to Palestine.
Despite the attacks, 85% of Ukraine’s food exports continue to leave from Black Sea ports, but rising risks have caused insurers to cancel bookings or increase insurance rates for ships operating in the region.
The request to the IMO highlights President Zelenskyy’s priority of ensuring freedom of movement in the Black Sea to maintain both Ukraine’s economic stability and global food supplies.
With the escalating conflict endangering global food security, Ukraine’s call for international monitoring may become a crucial step in safeguarding vital maritime routes.