Situation in Azov Sea high on EU agenda – envoy to UN

20.02.2019 22:00

Ukrinform

Russia's violation of international law in the Sea of Azov, as well as its armed aggression in the Black Sea, is currently one of the main concerns for European diplomats and a priority in the European Union's efforts to respond to Russian aggression.

EU Permanent Representative to the UN Joao Vale de Almeida said this on Wednesday at a plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly on the situation in Ukraine, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"The situation in the Azov Sea remains high on our agenda. The EU expressed its outmost concern about the dangerous increase of tensions in the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait and Russia's violations of international law which has led to the seizure of Ukrainian vessels and their crews by Russia and shots being fired at them, wounding several Ukrainian servicemen," he said.

He added that there was no justification for the use of military force by Russia. "Russia's aggressive actions also affect the security situation in the entire Black Sea region," Vale de Almeida said.

In addition, he, on behalf of the European Union, called on Russia to ensure "the immediate and unconditional release of all detained Ukrainian servicemen as well as the return of the seized vessels."

According to the European diplomat, "the EU also expects Russia to ensure unhindered and free passage through the Kerch Strait to and from the Azov Sea, in accordance with international law."

Vale de Almeida promised that Brussels would follow closely the situation. "We are determined to act appropriately, in close coordination with our international partners," he said.