Mariana Betsa Holds Talks with Monica Juma
Mariana Betsa, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Monica Juma, who serves as Director-General of the UN Office at Vienna and Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Their conversation centered on the situation in Ukraine, including Russian attacks, the risks they create for commercial shipping in the Black Sea, and existing cooperation with UNODC. Both sides agreed to continue close coordination.
Betsa expressed gratitude for Juma's visit to Ukraine, which took place on the 35th anniversary of the country's independence. She briefed the UNODC chief on Kyiv's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace, pointing to the worsening security and humanitarian situation driven by more intense Russian missile and drone strikes on civilian infrastructure. She also urged UN bodies to strengthen their support for rebuilding Ukraine's energy network before winter.
Key Issues on the Table
The officials also discussed the threat that Russian attacks on Ukrainian ports and civilian vessels pose to Black Sea navigation and global food security. Betsa stressed the UN's essential role in ending those attacks, restoring freedom of navigation, and making sure Russia follows international law.
- Halting attacks on Ukrainian ports and ships
- Restoring free navigation in the Black Sea
- Ensuring Russia complies with international law
The two sides then reviewed prospects for deepening Ukraine's cooperation with UNODC, with an emphasis on expanding the agency's presence in Ukraine, increasing expert and technical assistance, and carrying out joint projects. At the close of the meeting, they agreed to intensify their interaction and further strengthen the partnership between Ukraine and UNODC.
This engagement highlights just how vital international support is for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. Closer UN cooperation, especially on energy security and maritime safety, is critically important for a country facing severe challenges in both areas. Work with UNODC can contribute not only to infrastructure restoration but also to easing the wider humanitarian situation. The meeting reflects Ukraine's broader diplomatic push to keep global attention on the threats Russia poses beyond the battlefield.