Ukrainian Navy Commander: Situation in the Sea of Azov is very tense
Commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine Ihor Voronchenko stated that the situation in the Sea of Azov remains tense, Interfax Ukraine reports.
“From the military point of view, the situation in the Sea of Azov is very tense at the moment. As already stated by the State Border Service, there are about 120 (Ukrainian) ships and boats but only 36 of them have weapons and can operate or serve the ships. Only 24 are equipped with enough weapons. We are increasing our efforts. We have transferred a group of boats, which is already fulfilling the military tasks,” Voronchenko said.
According to Voronchenko, this situation affects the security of the Azov region, trade and shipping. He added that no Ukrainian ships have been stopped for the last week.
“I believe that there can be further escalation in the Sea of Azov,” Voronchenko added.
He had announced earlier that if the situation in the Azov and Black seas aggravates, the Ukrainian Navy would have to use force against the "aggressor country".
On October 25, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the violation of international law in the Sea of Azov by Russia. The resolution calls on the EU member states to strengthen the sanctions on Russia if it continues to escalate the conflict in the Sea of Azov.