Sybiga discussed the security situation in the Black Sea with the Greek foreign minister
Andriy Sibiga, Ukraine’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a telephone conversation with Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgios Herpetritis. The security situation in the Black Sea was the central topic of the talks.
During the conversation, the Ukrainian official briefed his Greek counterpart on the consequences of Russia’s regular attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Sybiga also emphasized Ukraine’s urgent need for air defense systems.
According to him, Russia’s actions in the Black Sea are a particular cause for concern. Constant strikes on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure, and vessels pose a threat to international trade and global food security.
Sibiga stressed that for Ukraine and Greece, as maritime nations, freedom of navigation is a matter of principle and security.
“For Ukraine and Greece, as maritime nations, freedom of navigation is a matter of principle and security. Russia is attempting to turn the Black Sea—an artery connecting countries, markets, and people—into yet another tool of pressure and intimidation. We share a common interest in ensuring that it remains open, safe, and free for navigation,” Sibiga noted.
In addition to the security situation, the parties discussed priorities for bilateral cooperation and broader collaboration between Ukraine and Greece on the international stage.
Sibiga announced this on the social media platform X.
According to Reuters, Ukraine has proposed to the Russian Federation, the aggressor state, an agreement on a mutual cessation of attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea. The Guardian reported this, citing the news agency. As Reuters notes, Kyiv conveyed the proposal through an intermediary, and Moscow has not yet responded.
Russia sees no reason to agree to Ukraine’s proposal to cease strikes on civilian targets in the Black Sea.
