Ukraine calls UN session as Russia targets Black Sea ports, food security

Key facts

• Ukraine requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting for July 27.
• Kyiv accuses Russia of holding global food security hostage via Black Sea port attacks.
• Multiple civilian cargo ships carrying grain and fertilizers have been targeted.
• Recent strikes have resulted in fatalities and injuries.
• Ukraine warns of rising prices and hunger in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America if attacks continue.

Ukraine has called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on July 27, accusing Russia of holding global food security hostage through its continued attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that at least three civilian cargo ships have been bombed in recent days, impacting the crucial maritime export corridor during peak harvest season.

Earlier on July 22, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed its drones struck two dry cargo ships in Ukraine's Odesa and Chornomorsk ports, alleging they were transporting military supplies. However, recent attacks have targeted foreign-flagged vessels carrying grain and fertilizers. The Ukrainian Navy reported that three Russian cruise missiles hit the cargo ship Golden Leo on July 19 as it was leaving Ukraine's maritime corridor with grain. The vessel, owned by a Turkish company and sailing under the Guinea-Bissau flag, was struck by Russian fire, resulting in ten fatalities.

Prior to this, on July 14, two people were killed in a Russian strike on a civilian cargo ship in Odesa. This followed another deadly Russian attack on July 13, where five people were killed and 10 injured when a Togolese-flagged cargo ship was hit while unloading mineral fertilizers.

Sybiha warned that these attacks pose serious threats to global food supplies, potentially leading to rising prices and hunger for millions in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. He urged all nations, especially those affected, to demand Russia cease its actions against freedom of navigation, emphasizing that no country has the right to starve the world.