Sybiha says Russia seeks to turn Black Sea into tool of intimidation and pressure

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has accused Russia of seeking to turn the Black Sea into an instrument of intimidation and pressure.

Sybiha made the remarks during a telephone conversation with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, during which the two discussed air defence, maritime security and continued Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

According to Sybiha, Ukraine and Greece are strengthening cooperation aimed at improving air defence capabilities and ensuring the safety of civilian shipping in the Black Sea.

He said the growing scale of Russian missile and drone attacks underscored the need for urgent measures to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian airspace.

Maritime security was also a key focus of the talks. Sybiha said continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure and civilian vessels posed a direct threat to freedom of navigation, international trade and global food security.

“For Ukraine and Greece, as two maritime nations, freedom of navigation is both a matter of principle and security,” Sybiha said.

He added that Moscow was seeking to transform the Black Sea region into a platform for pressure and intimidation.

“Russia is trying to turn the Black Sea a vital artery connecting countries, markets and people, into yet another instrument of pressure and intimidation,” Sybiha said, adding that Ukraine and Greece shared an interest in keeping the sea open, safe and free for navigation.