Ukraine to discuss Russia’s actions in the Azov and Black Seas with the EU
During the Ukraine-EU Summit on July 9, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko plans to discuss Russia’s military presence in the Black and Azov Seas with EU leaders, which is a cause of concern for Ukraine.
“We look forward to a firm position of the EU regarding new Russian challenges for security in the Black and Azov Seas,” Poroshenko wrote on Facebook page. “We will discuss this issue with the EU leaders at the summit on July 9.”
On Monday, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), Oleksandr Turchynov, discussed the deterioration of the situation in the Azov Sea with ambassador of the United Kingdom in Ukraine, Judith Gough, stating that the situation has been aggravated by increased military presence from Russia.
“Strengthening landing capabilities of the Russian Federation in this region indicates the possibility of their provocations on the coast of Azov,” Turchynov stated, recalling Russia’s attempts to block ships heading to Ukrainian ports in the Azov Sea.
On June 18, the EU extended restrictive measures on conducting business in the territory of the Crimea until June 23, 2019.