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Mariana Betsa reports that Russian maritime attacks and grain seizures are threatening global food security.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa stated during a UN General Assembly meeting that Russian maritime attacks pose a significant threat to global food security. Russia has damaged more than 1,050 port facilities and attacked more than 240 civilian vessels over the past several years.

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In the summer of 2026, Russia attacked more than 50 vessels, resulting in nearly 30 deaths. Mariana Betsa noted that approximately 90% of Ukraine’s grain and oilseed exports are shipped through Black Sea ports, and alternative routes lack the capacity of maritime transport. Russia has also systematically seized Ukrainian grain from temporarily occupied territories. In 2025, more than 2 million tonnes of Ukrainian grain, valued at approximately $400 million, were illegally exported to foreign markets. Mariana Betsa argued that there is no justification under international law for these actions. She called on the international community to increase pressure to end Russian actions and protect global food supplies. She also stated that stolen Ukrainian agricultural products must be confiscated rather than legitimized.

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