After today’s announcement from the White House that both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping and stop military strikes in the Black Sea, please find reaction below from Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity.
Deborah Layde, chief executive of The Seafarers’ Charity, commented:
“We welcome today’s announcement of an end to military strikes in the Black Sea. But we must remember that seafarers are not political pawns. All parties should put the safety of seafarers first, and ensure that any agreement properly protects them from harm.
“From the beginning of the war in Ukraine, seafarers from all over the world have paid a heavy price, with many trapped on their ships in Black Sea ports. Just in the last few weeks multiple seafarers have been killed by shelling. Today’s words must be accompanied by meaningful action to ensure safe passage for seafarers is strictly maintained.
“Any maritime ceasefire must be a practical solution which prioritises the safety of seafarers who keep the world’s supply chains running.”
