Russian border guards went to ram Ukrainian ships, closing the Kerch Strait
Russian border guards proceeded to ram Ukrainian Navy ships, closing the Kerch Strait to passage. This was reported by the press service of the Naval Forces of Ukraine, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
The Ukrainian military tried to transfer two small armored artillery boats, Berdyansk and Nikopol, as well as the tugboat Yany Kapu, from Odessa to Mariupol on the Sea of Azov.
However, the Russian side closed the approach to the Kerch Strait.
Photo by the press service of the FSB of Russia
“Contrary to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Treaty between Ukraine and the Russian Federation on cooperation in the use of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, the border ships of the Russian Federation are border boats of the Sobol type, PSKR Don, boats of the Mongoose type, and MPK Suzdalets. carried out openly aggressive actions against ships of the Ukrainian Navy.
The border ship "Don" rammed our raid tug, as a result of which the ship's main engine, hull and railing were damaged, and the life raft was lost. The dispatch service of the occupiers refuses to ensure the right of freedom of navigation guaranteed by international agreements,” the Ukrainian Navy assures.
The Border Service of the FSB of Russia, in turn, stated that at the time of the attempted entry of the Navy ships, the waters of the territorial sea of the Russian Federation were temporarily closed.
In addition, the Ukrainians did not submit applications according to the established procedure to pass through the strait, and the Naval Forces ships were not included in the passage schedule. The ships maneuvered dangerously, disobeying the legal demands of the Russian authorities.
The Ukrainian side assures that “the intention to carry out the transition was informed in advance in accordance with international standards in order to ensure the safety of navigation.”
“All illegal actions are recorded by the crews of the ships and the Command of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and will be transferred to the competent international authorities,” the Ukrainian military says.
If you find an error, please select a piece of text and press Ctrl + Enter.
Thank you!
Now the editors are aware.