Following a surge in Ukrainian strikes on ships, Russia warned that its exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea is unsafe for navigation, according to a Bloomberg report.
Shipping companies have suspended services to Black Sea ports following mounting attacks.
The warning was addressed to all vessels in Russia’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea and cited potential threats from Ukraine’s unmanned aerial and marine vehicles, according to a weekly bulletin published on the website of the country’s Defence Ministry.
The notice followed an intensification of Ukraine’s attacks on vessels in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
At least 124 Russia-linked vessels were targeted, including 89 tankers, from July 8 to July 20, according to statements from Ukraine’s General Staff.
The number of attacked vessels could not be independently verified.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk raised concerns for seafarers in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
The UN rights office said it had verified at least four attacks on civilian vessels in the Odesa region this month, in which 34 vessel workers were killed or injured.
“Seafarers should not be forced or compelled to endanger their lives by sailing through conflict zones. Nor should they face the risk of reprisal by shipowners if they decline these assignments,” said his spokeswoman, Shabia Mantoo.
