UN urges de-escalation in Black Sea following attacks on ships

ISTANBUL

The UN on Monday urged de-escalation in the Black Sea after attacks on commercial shipping last week.

"We reiterate that attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, are prohibited under international law wherever they occur," spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

The calls came after two empty oil tankers, the KAIROS and the VIRAT, reported blasts and fires off Türkiye's coast while en route to the Russian port of Novorossiysk.

Dujarric said the UN urges de-escalation and reiterated its support for an "immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire" that could pave the way for lasting peace.

Moscow on Sunday formally accused Ukraine of launching the attacks against the commercial vessels.