Ukrainian Navy ships did not ask Russian Federation to grant access for passing by Kerch channe

16:38, 24.09.2018 1 min read

Ukraine's Naval Donbas rescue and research military vessel with the Korets sea tug did not ask Russia for permission to pass through the Kerch-Yenikale Channel heading to the Azov Sea.

"Our vessels have not asked for any permission from Russia and exercised their sovereign right for passage," Ukraine's Naval press officer Oleh Chalyk told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine agency on Monday.

On September 23, Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko congratulated the sailors from the Donbas and Korets military vessels.

"These vessels will become a part of the new Ukraine's naval base in the Azov Sea region," Petro Poroshenko said on Facebook page.

So-called authorities in Russia-occupied Crimea said the Donbas and Korets vessels did receive permission from Russia to pass through the Kerch-Yenikale Channel and allegedly requested pilot support.