Russia illegally detains 93 vessels heading to Ukrainian ports in Sea of Azov since April 29

15:42, 10.07.2018 1 min read

Special Russian units since April 29 have unreasonably increased the number of inspections of ships heading to Ukrainian ports via the Kerch Strait, regardless of the flag of the vessel, Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry has said.

"In total, 93 ships were detained for examination from April 29 to July 9, 2018. As a result of such inspections, vessels are idle for several hours to several days. Shipowners bear unreasonably high costs," the ministry's press service quoted Deputy Infrastructure Minister Yuriy Lavreniuk as saying.

According to him, all data regarding the incidents are forwarded to Ukraine's Foreign Ministry.

"The Russian authorities do not explain the reasons for inspecting the ships, thereby creating tension in the region and interfering with peaceful navigation in the northeastern part of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov," the press service said.

Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry will ask Ukraine's Foreign Ministry to appeal to Russia's Foreign Ministry about the illegal acts and seek clarification on issues related to the organization of joint use of the Sea of Azov, including navigation rules.