Head of the UK's Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Neil Holland has claimed Russia is attacking Ukrainian ports and critical infrastructure to undermine Ukraine's economy and deprive civilians of electricity, heat, and water.
"Last week a Russian missile struck a civilian ship entering the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa. A 43-year-old harbor pilot was killed, while three Filipino crewmembers and a port worker were injured.
Once again, the UK condemns Russia’s unprovoked attacks on Ukraine’s port and grain infrastructure. Such attacks achieve nothing but destruction and devastation," the ambassador said.
Neil Holland has called Russia's withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July and hundreds of strikes on Ukraine’s ports that followed the suspension a clear attempt by Russia to strangle the Ukrainian economy and prevent Ukraine from exporting its grain.
"These attacks on the world’s food supply show the maliciousness of Russia’s intent, where they are willing to use food as a weapon of war," the ambassador added.
The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine started its activities on 21 March 2014 The Mission discontinued its operations on 31 March 2022 after Russia blocked the decision to continue the work of the organization.
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