The meeting focused on a threat reaching far beyond Ukraine’s coastline, with trade, food supplies and civilian shipping all at stake.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha discussed the security situation in the Black Sea, the development of bilateral relations, and cooperation at the international level with Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
In a post on X, Andrii Sybiha expressed gratitude to Greece for its solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. During the talks, he emphasized the danger that Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure, and civilian vessels pose to international shipping.
I drew my colleague’s particular attention to security in the Black Sea. Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian ports, maritime infrastructure, and civilian vessels pose a direct threat to freedom of navigation, international trade, and global food security
– Andrii Sybiha
Protecting Shipping and Ukraine’s Skies
Sybiha stressed that free and safe navigation is especially important for Ukraine and Greece as maritime nations. According to him, Russia is seeking to turn the Black Sea into a space of pressure and intimidation, while Kyiv and Athens are interested in preserving open and safe sea routes.
The Ukrainian foreign minister also informed Giorgos Gerapetritis about the consequences of Russia’s systematic missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. He stressed that strengthening Ukraine’s air defense remains one of the most urgent tasks.
I informed my colleague about the consequences of Russia’s ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. The growing scale of Russian missile and drone terror makes strengthening the protection of Ukraine’s skies an urgent priority
– Andrii Sybiha
During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on the current situation, agreed on priority areas of bilateral cooperation, and reaffirmed their intention to remain in regular contact.