Ukraine in Hague accuses Russia of restricting navigation in Azov Sea and Kerch Strait
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Russia is deliberately restricting international shipping in the Sea of Azov to take control of it and the Kerch Strait. Russia illegally constructed the Kerch Bridge, which has become a constant barrier for shipping, particularly for large international vessels transporting Ukrainian goods, according to Ukraine's Ambassador-at-Large for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anton Korynevych, during a court hearing in The Hague.
"Seeking to take control of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, Russia has built large gates at their entrance to limit international shipping, mainly allowing passage for its small river vessels. Russia now views the Kerch Strait, the Sea of Azov, and potentially even parts of the Black Sea as its waters. Russia wants these waters to be seen as part of its 21st-century empire," he said.
Korynevych also emphasized the importance of dismantling the Crimean Bridge and restoring free passage through the Kerch Strait.
"Russia has illegally built a permanent obstacle to passage through this vital maritime route—the Kerch Strait—by constructing an exceptionally low bridge. A bridge lower than indicated by Russian studies, lower than required by Russia’s own commercial interests, and lower than any other bridge currently built or even proposed over an international strait," he said.
The ambassador stressed that, because of the Crimean Bridge, several key classes of vessels used in international trade can no longer pass through the strait.
"These vessels used to transport Ukrainian steel, grain, and other food products to the rest of the world. Today, this bridge not only obstructs transit but is also used by Russia for the constant transfer of arms to the territory of the Crimean Peninsula," Korynevych said.
Additionally, he pointed out that Russia systematically delays ships heading to Ukrainian ports and prohibits the passage of foreign vessels through the strait.
Russia, in response, rejected the accusations, claiming they go beyond the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and are "baseless."
Attacks on Crimean Bridge
The Crimean Bridge is not just an engineering structure, but a powerful symbol of Russian aggression against Ukraine and the occupation of Ukrainian Crimea. Built after the illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, the bridge became a vital supply line for Russian troops on the occupied territories of Ukraine.
The bridge stands as visible proof of Russia's violation of international law and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. It serves as a primary route for the movement of Russian military equipment, ammunition, and other resources to the occupied territories in southern Ukraine.
The structure is a legitimate military target for Ukrainian forces. For example, the bridge was successfully struck on October 8, 2022, and again on July 17, 2023.
Earlier, The Guardian reported that Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense is preparing a third strike on the Crimean Bridge.
