Against the background of the current situation, Angela Titzrath, Chairwoman of HHLA's Executive Board, has just made a statement in Hamburg:

"This is a bitter day for all peace-loving people worldwide. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the invasion of independent Ukraine by Russian troops. This is an act that violates international law and destroys the security architecture that has been established in Europe for 30 years.

Our concern and sympathy go out to the people of Ukraine, who are now being dragged into a senseless war. We are particularly concerned for the 480 employees working at our terminal in the port of Odessa. The last employees left the port this morning. They had previously reliably handled two ships, which were then able to leave the port. In order to effectively support our employees in this difficult situation, the Executive Board of HHLA decided this morning to pay one month's salary in advance. This will enable them to stock up on essential goods in this special situation.

HHLA became involved in Ukraine in the early 2000s in reliance on the Helsinki Final Act and other agreements on security in Europe concluded after the end of the Cold War. Since then, we have invested around 170 million dollars in the terminal in the port of Odessa. This was also a contribution to securing peace and prosperity in Europe. We have been in close contact with the management in Odessa for days. We have formed a crisis team on site, which is coordinating closely with Philip Sweens, Managing Director of HHLA International, here in Hamburg.

The situation is currently still unclear, which is why we believe it is still too early to say anything about the possible effects of sanctions or the consequences of war.

The fact is that the port in Odessa was closed this morning by the Ukrainian authorities. All HHLA employees have left the facility. HHLA as a Group is not endangered in its substance by the events in Odessa. Trade with Russia has already fallen by a quarter since 2014 as a result of the occupation of Crimea and the subsequent sanctions imposed.

Martial law is now in force in Ukraine. We must therefore assume that Ukrainian HHLA employees will also be called up for military service. The fact that women and children now have to fear for the lives of their husbands and fathers deeply concerns all HHLA employees. Ports are part of the critical infrastructure. They are essential for supply. We therefore expect our employees to be able to continue their shore-based work at the terminal. Our thoughts and solidarity are with the people in Ukraine and especially in Odessa at this time.

Against this backdrop, I join the numerous appeals to the Russian President to stop the attack on Ukraine immediately and to withdraw the Russian troops. War has never been a means of resolving conflicts and, in view of the terrible experiences we have had here in Europe with two world wars and millions of deaths, it should certainly no longer be a means in the 21st century."