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EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that Russia is responsible for attacks on ships in the Black Sea and is deliberately using food as a weapon.

Speaking at a session on the strikes, Kallas said suspected Russian drones carried out six attacks in the Black Sea over the last 10 days, calling the pattern a dangerous and unacceptable escalation.

Diplomatic effort on navigation

Kallas said the EU is working with Türkiye, India and other international partners on arrangements to secure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, an approach that would protect both human lives and vital supplies.

Ukraine has proposed a freedom of navigation arrangement for the Black Sea and Russia has rejected it, Kallas said, stressing that pressure on Moscow and support for Kyiv must continue.

Key takeaways

• Kallas said suspected Russian drones mounted six attacks on Black Sea ships in the last 10 days.
• She accused Moscow of deliberately turning food into a weapon, harming food security in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
• Land-route grain exports rose by 2 million tons since July, but strikes now also target border crossings in Moldova, Romania and Poland.
• The EU is working with Türkiye, India and other partners on freedom of navigation arrangements for the Black Sea.