Ukraine stresses importance of dismantling Crimean bridge in The Hague

Russia is deliberately restricting international navigation in the Sea of Azov in order to gain control of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait. Russia has illegally built the Kerch Bridge, which has created a permanent obstacle to navigation, in particular for large international vessels carrying Ukrainian goods.

This was stated by Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Anton Korynevych during a speech in court in The Hague, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

‘Wanting to take possession of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, Russia built a large gate at their entrance to restrict international shipping, letting mainly its small river vessels pass. Russia now views the Kerch Strait, the Sea of Azov and possibly even parts of the Black Sea as its own waters. Russia wants these waters to be seen as part of its 21st century empire,’ he said.

Korynevych also stressed the importance of dismantling the Crimean bridge and restoring free passage through the Kerch Strait.

‘The Russian Federation has illegally built a permanent obstacle to passage through this vital sea route (the Kerch Strait - ed.) - an extremely low bridge. A bridge that is lower than the results of Russian studies indicate; lower than Russia's own commercial interests require; and lower than any other bridge currently built or even proposed to be built over an international strait,’ he said.

The ambassador stressed that some of the main classes of vessels used in international trade can no longer pass through the strait because of the Crimean bridge.

‘These ships used to carry Ukrainian steel, grain and other foodstuffs to the rest of the world. Today, this bridge not only hinders transit passage, but is also used by Russia to constantly transfer weapons to the Crimean peninsula,’ Korynevych said.

In addition, he noted that Russia systematically detains ships heading to Ukrainian ports and prohibits the passage of foreign vessels through the strait.

Russia, in turn, has rejected the accusations, saying they go beyond the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and are ‘groundless’.

Author - Olena Madiak, 23/09/2024