Acting Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot discussed how France's G7 Presidency could help mobilize an international response to Russia's attacks in the Black Sea.

Sybiha announced this on X, according to Ukrinform.

"We discussed Russia’s intensified attacks in the Black Sea, including strikes on Ukraine’s ports and civilian vessels. These attacks threaten freedom of navigation, disrupt grain exports, and what is more important they require a strong and coordinated international response. We focused on how France’s G7 Presidency can help mobilize such a response, strengthen maritime security, and increase pressure on Russia," Sybiha said.

The ministers also discussed additional air defense support, preparations for the coming winter, and France’s continued backing for Ukraine’s accession to the EU.

As reported by Ukrinform, a Russian attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged merchant vessel near Odesa killed 10 people, including a pilot employed by the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority.

Ukraine has requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council on July 27 in response to Russia's attacks on freedom of navigation in the Black Sea.

Photo: Andrii Sybiha/X