UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric made the remarks while commenting on recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
“Our position has not changed,” he said. “We reaffirm that attacks on civilian infrastructure, including energy systems, are forbidden under international law, wherever they occur.”
Dujarric urged de-escalation and said the UN continues to push for “a prompt, comprehensive and unconditional cessation of hostilities” that would pave the way for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions.
The comments followed reports that the tankers Kairos and Virat were struck in the Black Sea.
Türkiye: Attacks near its waters ‘categorically unacceptable’
Türkiye sharply condemned recent strikes on vessels near its maritime zone, warning that such incidents threaten the safety of all Black Sea shipping.
“These attacks are absolutely unacceptable – both within our exclusive economic zone and beyond it,” Ömer Çelik, spokesperson for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), told Habertürk television.
“They endanger the security of maritime navigation in the entire Black Sea and will negatively affect every country in the region.”
Çelik said Ankara is in contact with all parties due to the risk of disruption to regional logistics.
Moscow signals possible retaliation
Russia, in turn, warned it may expand strikes on Ukrainian ports and on vessels entering them if attacks on tankers continue.
“If these attacks continue, we will consider retaliatory measures against ships belonging to countries that assist Ukraine,” President Vladimir Putin told Russian media.
“I hope Kyiv and those standing behind it think carefully about whether they should continue such actions in the Black Sea.”
