IMO calls on Russia not to threaten commercial shipping in the Black Sea

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called on Russia to comply with international conventions and stop threats to merchant shipping in the Black Sea. This is stated on the IMO website.

At its 129th session, the Council of the organization, among other things, considered the problem in the Black Sea caused by Russian aggression.

The IMO welcomed Ukraine’s efforts to ensure the security, stability and freedom of international navigation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea and to prevent a global food crisis.

The Council of the organization also addressed Russia.

“The Council reiterated its demand that the Russian Federation cease its illegal activities, ensure the safety and well-being of seafarers, the safety of international navigation and the marine environment in all affected areas, and comply with its obligations under relevant international treaties,” the International Maritime Organization website says.

The IMO Council called on Russia to refrain from “threats to international supply chains that support other states and provide the population of Ukraine with food, medicine and basic necessities.”

As a reminder, the UK believes that Russia may intensify its campaign to destroy Ukraine’s food exports. UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly noted that Russia could fire at civilian ships in the Black Sea to do so. And White House National Security Council spokesman Adam Hodge said that the United States has information that the aggressor country has installed additional sea mines on the approaches to Ukrainian ports, and also believes that Russia is preparing a false flag operation against grain exports from Ukraine.

Tags: blocking ports, Black Sea grain corridor