VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Ukraine has called for Malta’s support in strengthening international efforts to counter Russia’s illicit trade in stolen Ukrainian grain, during a telephone call between the countries’ foreign ministers.
Foreign Minister Chris Fearne and his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha spoke as Ukraine marked its 35th independence anniversary.
“Malta continues to support Ukraine against Russian aggression and in monitoring of the shadow fleet in the Mediterranean,” Fearne said on X.
Sybiha described the exchange as a “productive call”, saying the ministers discussed bilateral cooperation and Ukraine’s most urgent challenges.
They focused on the deteriorating security situation in the Black Sea, freedom of navigation and the protection of Ukrainian ports and the maritime corridor used for agricultural exports.
Sybiha urged Malta to support efforts to protect civilian shipping and combat Russia’s trade in stolen Ukrainian grain, which he said threatens global food security.
The ministers also discussed practical measures to strengthen Ukraine’s energy resilience ahead of winter, including additional contributions to the Ukraine Energy Support Fund.
Sanctions against Russia were another key issue, with discussions covering its shadow fleet and networks accused of helping sustain its war effort.
Sybiha highlighted the role of the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring in Valletta, saying it helps coordinate maritime monitoring, information sharing and efforts to counter sanctions evasion.
The centre, founded by Malta, monitors substandard vessels and false flags while supporting international efforts to prevent sanctions circumvention.
Sybiha said the ministers agreed on the need to deepen cooperation to reduce revenues funding Russia’s war.
He also called for stronger sanctions targeting the ecosystem supporting Russia’s missile and drone production, as well as continued international pressure in response to attacks on Ukrainian civilians.
– photo Malta Foreign Ministry –
(ITALPRESS).
