Strategic Cooperation: Neyizhpapa Discussed Maritime Security with the Leadership of IMO.

Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neyizhpapa, Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, met with the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Arsenio Dominguez, during his visit to Ukraine.

They discussed the functioning of the maritime corridor that ensures the export of Ukrainian products despite the constant threats from the aggressor country. This enables Ukraine to play an important role in global food security and strengthen its own economy. Since the resumption of vessel traffic through the alternative 'grain corridor,' the Naval Forces have ensured the passage of over 12 thousand ships through the 'Great Odesa' ports and the Danube River. During this Time, more than 103 million tons of food and other cargo have been unloaded.

Neyizhpapa emphasized that the adversary continues to create threats to civilian shipping and to attack ports and ships. Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale aggression, 33 ships have been damaged, of which three were destroyed. As a result of these attacks, 13 people were killed, and another 38 were injured.

The Commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine also drew attention to the problem of naval mines, particularly drifting mines, which pose an unpredictable threat to shipping. An important part of the work involves demining the water areas to help prevent catastrophic consequences for civilian vessels.

He thanked the IMO for its principled stance against Russia's illegal actions and called for further active efforts in the fight against the shadow fleet of the aggressor, which is the main tool for circumventing sanctions and supporting the enemy's military machine. Arsenio Dominguez emphasized that the International Maritime Organization will continue to uphold the freedom of navigation and the safety of maritime transport in the Black Sea. We continue our work.