Ukraine Says Shipping to Its Black Sea Ports Has Come to a Standstill

Commercial shipping to Ukraine's Black Sea ports has come to a complete standstill, according to Ukrainian Minister of Agrarian Policy Taras Vysotskyi. Speaking to Strana.ua, the minister said shipowners have suspended vessel arrivals, although the Ukrainian government has not imposed any restrictions on maritime traffic. "Until recently, four or five ships were entering the ports. That was not a large number, but traffic continued. As of today, vessel arrivals have stopped. This is a decision made by the shipowners—the government has not introduced any restrictions," Vysotskyi said. According to the minister, shipping has remained suspended for four consecutive days. He added that it is currently unclear how long the interruption will last.