Ukraine voices protest over navigation restriction in Kerch Strait by Russia
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) has issued a protest against the restriction placed by the Russian Federation on navigation through the Kerch Strait during August and September and underlines the “illegality” of the construction of the Kerch Bridge, as stated in a statement published on the website of the Ministry.
“The MFA of Ukraine expresses protest over the Russians prohibiting navigation through the Kerch Strait during August and September 2017 due to bridge construction and once again emphasizes the illegality of such actions,” the message reads.
The foreign policy department notes that the construction of the bridge across the Kerch Strait is illegal according to international law because Ukraine, “did not grant consent to this construction as the coastal state with respect to the Crimean Peninsula.”
The MFA is also concerned about the negative impact that construction may cause to the environment and navigation in the strait.
“The unilateral imposition of restrictions on maritime traffic across the Kerch Strait by the Russian Federation is another gross disregard of the norms of international law by the Russian Federation,” the Ministry believes.
The report indicated that a note of protest had been sent to the Russians.
On August 9th, Russia banned ships from sailing through the Kerch Strait.