EP resolution: Volatile security situation in Azov Sea could escalate to open conflict

 “The European Parliament deplores the excessive actions of the Russian Federation in the Sea of Azov insofar as they breach international maritime law and Russia’s own international commitments,” reads the European Parliament resolution on the situation in the Sea of Azov adopted on Thursday, October 25, an Ukrinform correspondent reports from Strasbourg.

In this context, the MEPs particularly condemned the excessive stopping and inspection of commercial vessels, including both Ukrainian ships and those with flags of third-party states, including ships under flags of various EU Member States, with the aim of further destabilising the security, integrity and social and economic situation in Ukraine.

The EP calls on the EU’s representative to demand that the Russian Federation immediately end the intensive and discriminatory inspections of vessels and to consider, if necessary, appropriate countermeasures

As noted, the very volatile security situation in the Sea of Azov could easily escalate to an open conflict in Europe. Particular concern is expressed about the continued militarisation of the Sea of Azov and Black Sea region, particularly of the illegally occupied and annexed Crimea peninsular.

“The European Parliament condemns the construction of the bridge over the Kerch Strait linking the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula with mainland Russia, and the infringement of navigational rights in Ukraine’s territorial waters,” the resolution reads.

The EP also deplores the illegal extraction of oil and gas resources by the Russian Federation from Ukrainian territory.

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