Sibiga called for increased pressure on Russia following the attack on a tanker near Romania
Acting Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga condemned the attack by Russia, the aggressor state, on the civilian LNG tanker Gas Lisbon, which was en route to a Ukrainian port. He stated that sanctions and pressure on Russia must be intensified.
Sibiga wrote about this on social media platform X, according to “Ukrainska Pravda,” citing “European Pravda.” According to the diplomat, the attack on the vessel was yet another manifestation of Russia’s terrorist actions and demonstrates the Kremlin’s disregard for international maritime law.
Sibiga thanked Romania for its swift rescue operation, its solidarity with Ukraine, and its understanding that Russia’s irresponsible actions pose a threat to the security of the entire Black Sea region. He also stated that Ukraine seeks to deepen cooperation with Romania and other partners to strengthen security in the Black Sea.
On July 21, the President of Romania reported that a Liberian-flagged tanker had been struck off the country’s coast. The vessel was en route from the Egyptian port of Alexandria to the Ukrainian port of Reni on the Danube. Romanian rescue teams evacuated the entire crew; some of the sailors were injured.
“The response must match the scale of the threat. Stronger sanctions. Greater pressure on Russia. Full accountability for every act of aggression. The aggressor must be forced to end the war,” Sibiga added.
On July 19, Russia also launched a missile strike on the civilian vessel Golden Leo, flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, off the coast of Odesa. The ship was carrying grain, and the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority later reported that 10 people had been killed.
