Ukrainian Foreign Minister: Black Sea security - essential for peace and regional supply

Black Sea security is essential for peace and regional supply. Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha made the statements at the Black Sea Security Conference held today in Chisinau.


“Security in the Black Sea region is fundamental for our prosperity and for regional food security. Everything starts with security,” Sybiha said.


He recalled that Russia’s actions are also affecting food security, and that the confiscation of grain from the occupied territories and the attacks on ports have consequences that are felt globally.


“Russia is trying to destabilize global markets and achieve its strategic goals through illegal actions in the Black Sea,” the official said.


Sybiha also highlighted the role of regional cooperation: “Türkiye, Romania, Moldova and Bulgaria can play a key role in ensuring Black Sea security. Our determination and unity are essential to prevent future Russian aggression.”

A central point of his speech was the territorial integrity of Ukraine: “The liberation of Crimea and the restoration of sovereignty over all Ukrainian territories are the only way to guarantee long-term security in the region.”

Sybiha further noted that the European future of Ukraine and Moldova, access to the Black Sea and the development of maritime infrastructure are vital for the region’s economic and strategic opportunities. However, these depend on security and on decisive action by international partners.


“Black Sea security is indivisible and is a priority for Europe and for the entire international community,” Andrii Sybiha concluded.


The Republic of Moldova is hosting today the Security Conference in the Black Sea region, under the aegis of the International Crimea Platform. The meeting is co-organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, with the support of the European Union.

The Black Sea Security Conference is at its third edition. The event continues the dialogue launched in Bucharest in 2023 and in Sofia in 2024, in the context of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine.