Today at 14:43
Ukraine urgently needs European Union support to keep the Solidarity Lanes running smoothly and to boost the capacity of the Danube transport corridor, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said during a phone call with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, according to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by UATV English.
Sybiha said Russia is attempting to turn the Black Sea into a zone of fear, instability, and coercion. “Since the start of July alone, 31 merchant vessels have been attacked. These are deliberate strikes against civilian shipping, freedom of navigation, and the food security of millions across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America,” he said.
The two officials discussed preparations for a range of possible scenarios. “We need urgent EU support to keep the Solidarity Lanes moving, as well as to increase the capacity of the Danube corridor,” Sybiha emphasized.
Both sides also coordinated their positions and agreed to stay in close contact going forward.
The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes are alternative logistics routes the European Commission established in May 2022 to support Ukrainian exports and imports of essential goods via rail, road, and inland waterways, following the blockade of the country’s seaports.
As previously reported, Russia attacked two civilian vessels sailing through the maritime corridor under the flags of Tanzania and Liberia, killing the captain of one of them.
Read also: Latvia Accuses Russia and Belarus of Orchestrating Migrant Pressure on EU Border
