Malta’s Foreign Minister Chris Fearne held a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha following Ukraine’s independence day commemorations on Tuesday. According to statements from both ministers, the parties discussed Malta’s role in facilitating the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions and its contribution to monitor the Russian shadow fleet in the Mediterranean Sea.
The Ukrainian Minister lauded Malta’s role in this regard and thank it for its support. He also said that more work needs to be done to sanction the sources of Russia’s ballistic missile supply, and also requested more help with monitoring the illicit Russian trade of stolen Ukrainian grain. He also urged his Maltese counterpart to help support Ukraine’s Energy Support Fund for the coming Winter as Ukrainian civilians remain threatened with Russian ballistic missiles. Ukrainians risk a repeat of last year’s prolonged blackouts during Winter’s freezing temperatures. The Energy Support Fund involves the supplies of electricity and power equipment to support Ukraine during its energy crisis.
Ukraine remains exposed to Russia’s ballistic missile attacks due to a shortage of ballistic-missile interceptors. The Ukrainian government is currently scrambling to purchase additional interceptors and prepare for a potentially harsh winter. Russia targeted Kyiv with ballistic missiles as recently as early last night.
Newsroom
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