Ukraine calls on International Maritime Organization to block Russia from leadership role

Deputy Prime Minister for the Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba stated this in London at the opening of the 34th IMO Assembly, Ukrinform reports, citing a post from the ministry on Facebook.

It is noted that on November 28, the IMO will vote on the composition of its council — the body that shapes global maritime security policy. Kuleba called on IMO member states not to allow Russia’s election to the council.

“I urge IMO member states not to support Russia’s candidacy for the council. A country that kills sailors and destroys infrastructure cannot be allowed to set global maritime safety standards,” the Deputy Prime Minister said in his online address.

Kuleba listed specific examples of Russian attacks: the shelling of the Port of Chornomorsk that killed Ukrainian sailors; the destruction of the dredging vessel Inhulskyi in the Port of Izmail; the burning of a gas tanker sailing under the Turkish flag; the destruction of shipbuilding infrastructure in Kiliia; and the blocking of foreign vessels in Mykolaiv region.

He also reminded participants of the consequences of the Kakhovka dam explosion, which cut off river access to the sea.

Ukraine stressed the importance of a responsible approach to electing the IMO council.

“Electing Russia to the council would send a signal of impunity to a state that deliberately undermines the principles of freedom of navigation,” Kuleba emphasized.

As previously reported, at the 33rd IMO Assembly in 2023, Russia failed to win a seat on the council for the first time due to its aggression against Ukraine and systematic violations of maritime law.

Photo: Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine