Andrii Sybiha, head of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called for tougher sanctions and increased pressure on Russia following its attack on a tanker off the coast of Romania.

He emphasized this on the social media platform X, according to Ukrinform.

Sybiha stressed that Russia’s aggressive war not only threatens Ukraine but also poses a direct threat to freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Black Sea. The diplomat called the deliberate attack on the liquefied natural gas tanker Gas Lisbon, which was en route to Ukraine, near the Romanian coast yet another example of Russia’s terrorism.

According to Sybiha, civilian crew members were injured as a result of the attack, which “jeopardized the safety of navigation in the Black Sea and once again demonstrated that the Kremlin does not respect international maritime law or the lives of civilians.”

The acting minister thanked Romania for its swift rescue efforts, unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, and clear understanding that Russia’s reckless actions threaten the security of the entire Black Sea region.

Sybiha also assured that Ukraine remains committed to deepening cooperation with Romania and all partners to strengthen security in the Black Sea.

“The response must match the scale of the threat. Stronger sanctions. Greater pressure on Russia. Full accountability for every act of aggression. The aggressor must be compelled to end its war,” the foreign minister added.

As previously reported, on July 21, Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that a Liberian-flagged vessel traveling from Egypt to Ukraine was struck off the coast of Romania as a result of an attack likely linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

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