Zahorodniuk: Threats in Black Sea and Sea of Azov constantly increasing due to Russian actions

"The naval threats to Ukraine in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov are constantly increasing. Russia certainly bears responsibility for this. It is not limited to direct aggression: everyone knows about Moscow's obstruction of the freedom of navigation and development of the maritime industry. These problems cannot be solved without powerful Navy," Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Zahorodniuk, who takes part in the opening of the III International Conference on Maritime Security in Odesa, posted on Facebook.

Zahorodniuk emphasized that the conference in Odesa is a confirmation of Ukraine's stable plans to restore the Navy, which has lost much of its capabilities after Crimea was occupied.

"According to Strategy 2035, we protect the coastal waters of Ukraine and our interests in the exclusive maritime economic zone, restore maritime infrastructure, train motivated personnel, create social support package so that our Navy can focus on victory and efficient protection of our national interests," the minister said.

The conference is also attended by Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. of the United States Embassy in Kyiv William Taylor, Head of the NATO Representation to Ukraine and Director of the NATO Liaison Office in Ukraine Alexander Vinnikov, diplomats of NATO countries and partners, counter admirals, admirals, maritime law specialists and others.

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