10 June 2025

Ukrainian Delegation Holds Bilateral Meeting with Belgian Delegation on Black Sea Challenges

As part of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, a bilateral meeting was held between the Ukrainian side and the Belgian delegation. The Belgian side was represented by Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden, who is in charge of the North Sea.

The parties discussed the current situation in the Black Sea and opportunities to consolidate international efforts to effectively respond to the existing challenges. Particular attention was paid to coordinating actions to protect the marine ecosystem under the conditions of Russian aggression.

The Permanent Representative, Olha Kuryshko, informed her Belgian counterparts about the comprehensive analytical document titled “The war threatens marine ecosystems: the impact of Russia’s aggression on the Black Sea.” The document was developed by the Mission of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea in cooperation with the CrimeaSOS civil society organization. The Permanent Representative emphasized the environmental consequences caused by the prolonged occupation of the peninsula, the militarization of Crimea’s territory, and the criminal actions of the Russian Federation, which have devastating impacts on the environment and pose a threat to ecological security.

The meeting underscored the importance of international solidarity in addressing the environmental challenges caused by Russian aggression and the readiness of partners to support Ukraine in overcoming the consequences.

Read the full document here: https://cutt.ly/prmHDQgv