Statement 

by the delegation of Ukraine 

at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate “Maritime Security: Prevention, Innovation, and International Cooperation to Address Emerging Challenges”

(11 August 2025)

Mr. President, 

We thank the Panama Presidency for organizing today’s important high level debate. We are also grateful to briefers for their valuable insights.

Maritime security is fundamental to global stability, economic resilience and the well-being. It is also closely linked to countering terrorism, combating transnational organized crime, and ensuring energy and food security. Maritime security should remain high on the Security Council’s agenda, as it is inherently connected to the maintenance of international peace and stability.

Yet, in our region, maritime security has been severely undermined by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We face constant missile and drone attacks on port infrastructure of the Ukrainian south, including recent strikes on the ports of Odesa region, destroying facilities critical for global grain exports. Civilian vessels in the Black Sea have been repeatedly targeted or threatened, creating risks for crews and disrupting established trade routes. Several Ukrainian ports, which remain under temporary Russian occupation, turned into heavily militarized naval bases — in blatant violation of international law.

These actions damage not only Ukraine but also the states that rely on our agricultural exports and the global economy at large. This is why countering such threats must be a shared international priority.

Ukraine calls on the Security Council to keep the issue of maritime security, including threats in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, high on its agenda.

The international community should:

• support the imposition and strengthening of targeted sanctions against individuals, entities, and vessels engaged in illegal maritime activities, including the transport of pillaged Ukrainian grain by Russia and Russian so-called “shadow fleet”;
• promote coordinated international monitoring and enforcement to guarantee freedom and safety of navigation;
• support holding the Russian Federation accountable for attacks on civilian shipping and port infrastructure, as well as for environmental damage caused in Ukrainian waters.

Only through resolute and collective action can we restore safe navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, safeguard global trade, and ensure that the seas remain open, secure, and governed by international law.

 I thank you.