EU Responds to Russia's Statement on Foreign Ships in the Black Sea

Russia has decided to consider all ships leaving Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea as carrying military cargo, thereby depriving Ukraine of a crucial resource for grain exports. In response, Brussels will increase military support to Kyiv. This was stated by Josep Borrell, head of the EU's foreign policy service, upon arriving at a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

“The decision to label any ship or military vessel as a target is a step against Ukraine's potential for grain exports. This will have consequences, primarily for Ukraine itself, depriving it of resources,” he said.

“There is only one solution — to increase military assistance to Ukraine. If they are being bombed, we need to provide them with air defense systems; if Russia is using drones, we need to provide them with air defense systems,” he added.

The head of EU diplomacy promised to “significantly expand the resources of the European Peace Facility” to increase arms supplies to Kyiv.