EP proposes tightening sanctions against Russia if conflict in Azov Sea escalates

"The European Parliament underlines that the Kerch Bridge has been illegally constructed and welcomes the Council’s decision to impose restrictive measures on six companies involved in its construction," reads the European Parliament resolution on the situation in the Sea of Azov adopted on Thursday, October 25, an Ukrinform correspondent reports from Strasbourg.

The MEPs also urge the High Representative of the European Union, together with the EU Member States in the Council, to make it clear that the targeted sanctions against Russia will be reinforced if the conflict in the Azov Sea escalates further.

As reported, Russia has been blocking ships heading towards the ports of Berdiansk and Mariupol over the past months. Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan stated that Ukraine was negotiating with the EU countries and the United States on imposition of sanctions on Russia in response to the blockade of the Sea of ​​Azov. The U.S. Department of State called Russia's actions in the Sea of ​​Azov an attempt to destabilize Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine made a decision to strengthen the naval presence in the Sea of Azov.

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