Russia must immediately ensure free passage for ships in Azov Sea – Maas

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Heiko Maas said this during a meeting with Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman in Berlin on November 29, the Government portal reported.

"Russia must immediately release the sailors and ensure free passage for ships. The annexation of  Crimea has become not only a violation of international law, but also a threat to international development," Maas stressed.

Groysman, in turn, noted that an aggressor country, no matter what its name, had to pay a high price for violating international norms and laws.

"The aggressor state, whatever it may be, should pay a high price for abusing international norms and law. We expect the consolidation of partners to develop mechanisms for strengthening sanctions and other measures that will force the aggressor to respect the sovereignty of the states ... Our partners must see what is happening on the territory of (the Sea of Azov)," Groysman stressed.

"We praise the reaction of the world and Germany to the aggression that was committed against our military personnel. We see that the situation in the Sea of Azov is very complicated. Since May, we have been seeing Russia's actions regarding the blocking of Mariupol and Berdyansk ports, the complication of vessel traffic. We see this as Russia's next step aimed to occupy the Sea of Azov, " the prime minister noted.

The German foreign minister assured that Berlin stands side by side with Ukraine and accumulates efforts of partners to de-escalate situation in Donbas and in the Sea of Azov. In turn, the prime minister thanked for a clear and firm position.

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