Russia creates preconditions for economic blockade of Ukrainian ports - Tsyhykal

He said this in Odesa on Tuesday at a round table meeting on improving safety at sea and the development of the Sea Guard of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

"The issues of strengthening maritime border security have become relevant as never before. In addition to traditional threats faced by any state with regard to ensuring maritime border security, violations of international maritime law continue to occur in the exclusive (maritime) economic zone and the annexed territorial sea," Tsyhykal said.

He emphasized that Russia's groundlessly intensifying naval and law enforcement activities at sea lines of communication creates preconditions for economic blockade of the sea and river ports of Ukraine.

"Only joint actions are the key to a strong and united Europe, in which Ukraine remains a reliable outpost on its eastern borders," Tsyhykal said.

The event is being held with the participation of representatives of law enforcement agencies of foreign states in charge of maritime security, as well as the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX), the EU Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM) and with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

op