America News Agency

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha spoke at the Black Sea Security Conference held in Chisinau, Moldova.

Emphasizing that the Black Sea must once again become a sea of peace and security, Sybiha said: "Peace must be ensured in the Black Sea and freedom of navigation must be restored. In the past month, Odessa’s port infrastructure has been subjected to more Russian attacks than during the entire previous year. This escalation must be met firmly and decisively."

Sybiha stressed the need to advance mine-clearing activities in the Black Sea and to counter Russia’s “shadow grain fleet,” stating: "Security guarantees for Ukraine must also include maritime security. Without a strong presence of allies in the Black Sea, new Russian attacks cannot be prevented."

Stating that “The liberation of Crimea is the only path to lasting security,” Sybiha added:

"Crimea is Ukraine. Everything began with Crimea and must end with Crimea. The Black Sea region should be evaluated within a broader geopolitical perspective. What happens in the Black Sea also affects the Baltic Sea. Our security is indivisible."