Zaluzhny warned of a threat to NATO due to Russia's aggression in the Black Sea

Valeriy Zaluzhny stated that Russian attacks on civilian vessels and Ukrainian ports threaten not only Ukraine but also EU and NATO countries, and he called on the international community to strengthen monitoring of Russia's shadow fleet.

Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valeriy Zaluzhny, together with the Commander of the Ukrainian Naval Forces, Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, discussed threats to maritime security at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London. Zaluzhny emphasized that Russian aggression in the Black Sea is increasingly affecting the security of Romania and Bulgaria, which are members of the European Union and NATO.

Zaluzhny reported this in his post dedicated to meetings with representatives of the international maritime community.

Zaluzhny spoke of threats spreading to NATO countries.

According to the Ukrainian diplomat, maritime security and logistics today directly affect the global economy and politics. As examples, he cited the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, where shipping problems have international consequences.

Similar risks, Zaluzhny stressed, are created by the Russian-Ukrainian war. Its impact already extends beyond the Ukrainian coast and spreads to other countries of the Black Sea region.

“And the ‘waves’ of the Russian-Ukrainian war are increasingly rolling onto the Black Sea shores of Romania, Bulgaria, EU and NATO members,” noted Zaluzhny.

He emphasized that Russia continues to attack civilian vessels, Ukrainian ports, and rescue services. Such actions endanger sailors and international trade.

According to Zaluzhny, Russian aggression has effectively turned the Black and Azov Seas into dangerous areas. At the same time, Moscow continues to use sea routes to earn revenues that may be directed toward financing the war.

The Commander of the Ukrainian Navy spoke at the IMO headquarters for the first time.

Zaluzhny gave special attention to the participation of the Ukraine’s Navy Commander Oleksiy Neiyizhapa in the international discussion.

According to him, for the first time in history the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy spoke at the International Maritime Organization headquarters before representatives of the world’s leading maritime states.

Zaluzhny called this event the result of Ukrainian diplomats’ work, who are pushing for increased international attention to Russia’s aggression at sea.

The International Maritime Organization is a specialized UN agency dealing with international shipping safety, prevention of marine pollution from ships, and the development of relevant international standards.

Ukraine calls for stronger control over Russia’s shadow fleet.

During a meeting with IMO Secretary-General Kit [sic] Domingues, the Ukrainian delegation discussed protection of seafarers, shipping safety, and the operation of the Ukrainian sea corridor.

Among the key issues were Russia’s persistent attacks on port infrastructure and civilian vessels that threaten international trade shipments.

Separately, the sides considered the activity of Russia’s shadow fleet. Zaluzhny emphasized that such vessels create risks not only for maritime security but also for the environment.

In his view, it is necessary to ensure proper international oversight of these vessels. In particular, information about their owners and registration should be transparent, and the ships themselves must meet international safety standards.

This issue is of particular importance given Russia’s use of maritime shipments to obtain revenue in the context of international sanctions.

Russia again failed to secure a seat on the IMO Council.

Zaluzhny also reported on Ukraine’s strengthening position in the International Maritime Organization in recent years.

In particular, Russia failed again to obtain a seat on the IMO Council. At the same time Ukrainian diplomats worked to limit its participation in technical cooperation programs and to reduce its influence in the organization.

According to Zaluzhny, Ukrainian diplomacy aims not only to inform international partners about Russia’s actions but to achieve concrete measures to stop its aggression at sea.

"Our task is not just to tell the world about Russia’s crimes, but to stop its maritime aggression. Making the sea safe can be achieved only by joint actions; otherwise the Black Sea region will become a source of even greater threats for the EU and for the NATO eastern flank," he emphasized.

Zaluzhny thanked IMO Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his support to Ukraine and for his personal attention to maritime safety in the Black Sea.

As a reminder, Zaluzhny highlighted the need for a new European security system, adapted to the realities of modern warfare, including the use of drones and personnel shortages.