The UN Security Council was forced to convene an emergency session on Sunday, July 27. The reason for the urgent meeting was the unprecedented ruthlessness of Russian shelling of civilian ships in the Black Sea. According to representatives of the international organization, the situation has reached a critical point, threatening the stability of the global economy.
Kayoko Goto, Head of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, addressed the Security Council members. In her report, she presented shocking statistics confirming the escalation of violence in the region.
The cost of human life and the food crisis
According to Goto, July marked a new wave of attacks on Black Sea ports and merchant vessels. In just one month, more than six incidents involving civilian ships were recorded. The result of these provocations was tragedy on board: 44 crew members were killed or injured.
The economic consequences of these actions are already being felt. Data from the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) shows a sharp spike in food prices. In July, global wheat prices rose by 20%, reaching their highest level since March 2024. This creates serious risks for global food security.
Casualties among the civilian population
In addition to threats to shipping, the UN representative highlighted the situation with casualties among the civilian population of Ukraine. Since the beginning of July, the number of deaths resulting from Russian air attacks has exceeded 170, with another 1,028 injured.
Special attention was paid to the situation in Kyiv, which is under constant pressure. In the Ukrainian capital, at least 56 civilians were killed in July, and 232 people were injured. Goto also noted daily attacks on frontline communities using guided aerial bombs.
The overall statistics since the start of the full-scale invasion remain alarming: the death of at least 16,141 civilians, including 803 children, has been confirmed. The number of injured has reached 48,613, including 2,960 children.
Call for diplomacy and Kyiv's position
Kayoko Goto used the UN podium to call on the parties to the conflict to resume diplomatic efforts. According to her, it is necessary to immediately begin comprehensive negotiations aimed at de-escalation and achieving an unconditional ceasefire. This is seen as the only path to a just and lasting peace.
The position of Kyiv was confirmed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybyga. He stated that Russia is deliberately trying to turn the Black Sea into a zone of destabilization by attacking civilian merchant vessels. As a result, Ukrainian maritime exports have effectively come to a halt due to attacks on port infrastructure and foreign commercial vessels.
