The Black Sea is vital for Ukraine, the entire region, and global trade – yet Russia has turned it into a place of warfare, pollution, and crime.

For years, Russia has systematically violated international maritime law: seizing Ukrainian vessels, illegally exploiting natural resources in Ukraine’s waters, blocking and targeting ports, mining sea routes, and intercepting neutral vessels. Its actions have threatened global food security by blocking Ukraine’s agricultural exports that millions around the world depend on.

Ukraine will continue to resist, protecting the Black Sea as a place of peace, biodiversity, and free navigation. However, Russia’s violations extend far beyond Ukraine’s shores.

A state that constantly disregards rules and regulations designed to keep our waters safe and protect the environment has no place in governing bodies of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

It is not the time for Russia to return to the IMO Council – but the time to hold it accountable for all its crimes at sea.