Ukraine at UN: Russia attacked more than 50 vessels in Black Sea this summer
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa reported that Russia attacked over 50 civilian vessels in the Black Sea during the summer of 2026. These actions are being cited as a major threat to global food security and a violation of international law.
Why it matters
The systematic targeting of maritime infrastructure and grain exports has severe implications for global food supply chains and international diplomatic relations.
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa said this on Tuesday, September 1, during a UN General Assembly meeting on the situation in Ukraine's temporarily occupied territories, according to an Ukrinform correspondent in New York.
According to Betsa, such attacks pose a threat to global food security.
"Over the past several years, Russia has damaged more than 1,050 port facilities and attacked more than 240 civilian vessels. In summer 2026 alone, Russia attacked more than 50 vessels. Nearly 30 people were killed," she said," she said.
Betsa noted that about 90% of Ukraine's grain and oilseed exports are shipped through Black Sea ports, while alternative routes cannot match maritime transport in terms of capacity.
Recent attacks have already disrupted international food supplies and raised concerns among major food-importing countries.
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