The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has stated that the delimitation of the maritime section of the Ukrainian-Russian border is a priority in bilateral relations.

"Last summit, Ukrainian and Russian Presidents Viktor Yanukovych and Vladimir Putin gave a clear political signal about the need for the delimitation of the Azov and Black Seas, and the Kerch Strait. They signed a joint statement reaffirming the importance of the maritime delimitation of the Azov and Black Seas, as well as in Kerch Strait in a spirit of friendship, good-neighborliness and strategic partnership, given the legitimate interests of both countries," the ministry's press service reported, while commenting on reports in the media about the alleged worsening of the situation in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow on the delimitation of the maritime section of the border.

The ministry said that the negotiations between the parties are ongoing and that the Ukraine wanted soon to put an end to this important issue in cooperation with Russia.

"The authorized working groups are currently working on the preparation of a draft agreement on the delimitation of the Azov and Black Seas and the Kerch Strait. Respective contacts at the level of experts are scheduled for September," the ministry said.

At the same time, the ministry said that this issue is a very complicated and complex one and its solution, according to world practice, requires a balanced approach, which is reflected on the duration of the process.

The length of the maritime border between Ukraine and Russia is 321 km.