IMO member states reject Russia’s bid for council seat

Member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) opted not to support Russia’s bid for a seat on the IMO Council, a development hailed by Ukrainian officials as a vindication of Kyiv’s persistent efforts to expose Russian attacks on ports and civilian vessels.

The decision was welcomed by Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba, who stressed that the outcome represents “an important step that protects international maritime security and confirms trust in global navigation rules.” He noted that for months Ukraine has systematically briefed international partners on the realities of Russian aggression at sea, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media. 

Russia has repeatedly struck ports, targeted merchant ships, shelled civilian vessels, mined water areas, and blocked foreign-flagged ships — actions that, according to Kyiv, have injured 162 sailors and port workers and damaged or destroyed 131 civilian vessels since the onset of the full-scale war. The undermining of the Kakhovka Dam, Ukraine says, cut off internal waterways from access to the sea, contributing to a full blockade of about forty foreign vessels in the Mykolaiv region.

Despite these challenges, Ukrainian maritime operators have maintained activity via a maritime corridor, enabling the export of over 160 million tons of cargo — including 94 million tons of grain to 55 countries worldwide. According to Kuleba, Ukrainian sailors continue to work globally, contributing to international trade even under wartime conditions.

At the same time, Kyiv accused Russia of forming a "shadow fleet" — withdrawing vessels from international regulatory frameworks to avoid compliance, creating hazards for other ships and polluting marine environments.

Kuleba reiterated that Ukraine has persistently argued that only a responsible member of the international community deserves a role in shaping maritime safety standards. 

By Sabina Mammadli