According to Ukrinform, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the statement during a phone call with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.

According to Sybiha, Russia is trying to turn the Black Sea into a zone of fear, destabilization, and coercion.

"Since the start of July alone, 31 merchant vessels have been attacked. These are deliberate strikes against civilian shipping, freedom of navigation, and the food security of millions across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America," the foreign minister said.

The two officials discussed preparations for all possible scenarios.

"We need urgent EU support to keep the Solidarity Lanes moving, as well as to increase the capacity of the Danube corridor," Sybiha stressed.

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The parties also coordinated their positions and agreed to remain in close contact.

The EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes are alternative logistics routes established by the European Commission in May 2022 to facilitate Ukrainian exports and imports of essential goods by rail, road, and inland waterways following the blockade of the country's seaports.

As Ukrinform previously reported, Russia attacked two civilian vessels sailing through the maritime corridor under the flags of Tanzania and Liberia, killing the captain of one of them.