Ukraine has requested an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting after Russian attacks on civilian shipping halted traffic through its Black Sea maritime corridor. Acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that no vessels passed through the corridor on Wednesday following a series of attacks on cargo ships, which he described as a deliberate attempt to inflict economic and humanitarian damage.

Russia has struck at least three civilian cargo vessels in recent days, injuring and killing crew members. The disruption occurs during a critical period for Ukrainian agricultural exports, impacting global food security. Shipping giant Maersk has temporarily suspended service through Chornomorsk Fishing Port, redirecting cargo to Romania. Russian forces confirmed strikes on port infrastructure and vessels in Odesa and Chornomorsk.

These attacks are exacerbating pressure on Ukraine's export network, with traders estimating it has already cost Ukraine roughly one-third of its Black Sea grain export capacity. The incidents have also directly endangered foreign crews. Ukraine accounted for around 6% of global wheat exports and 11% of global corn exports before the disruptions. Sybiha warned that reduced exports could increase global food prices and worsen hunger in vulnerable populations, urging international pressure on Moscow to cease attacks.