BRUSSELS – The European Union says that Russia’s intention to close some areas of the Black Sea for navigation causes serious concern and is a violation of international law, this is how EU Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano commented on the current situation in Brussels.
“The intention by the Russian Federation to close certain areas of the Black Sea for navigation until October 2021 under the pretext of military exercises is highly worrying, and even more so against the backdrop of the situation at the Ukraine-Russia state border and in the illegally annexed Crimea. This decision violates the freedom of navigation as guaranteed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The European Union expects Russia to ensure unhindered and free passage to and from the Sea of Azov in accordance with international law. The EU recalls its unwavering support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and independence of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and calls upon Russia to do likewise,” he said.
Stano also said that the EU Foreign Affairs Council, during the discussion on Ukraine on April 19, will discuss, among other things, the announcement of the Russian side on the restriction of navigation near Crimea for foreign ships in connection with the naval exercises of the Russian Federation.
He proposed to wait for the result of this discussion, on the basis of which a firm and clear position of the entire European Union will be taken.
