December 11, 2021
06:47
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Ukraine has accused Russia of blocking access to almost 70% of the Sea of Azov around the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow took from Kiev in 2014, the DPA reported.
According to the Ukrainian navy, the Russian navy appears to be planning training shootings near the Ukrainian ports of Mariupol, Berdyansk and Henichesk. So far there is no confirmation from Moscow.
On Thursday, Russian border guards accused a Ukrainian warship of approaching the Kerch Strait without permission. Russia mentioned a “dangerous provocation”, and Ukraine rejected these allegations, saying that the ship “Donbass” did not leave its territorial waters, notes BTA.
Located between the two countries, the Azov region is connected by the Kerch Strait with the larger Black Sea to the south. In November 2018, the Russian Border Service detained three Ukrainian warships trying to cross the strait. Russia released 24 Ukrainian sailors only after months of negotiations. The incident further worsened bilateral relations, DPA reminds.
In 2014, Russia annexed the Ukrainian Crimean peninsula, and pro-Russian separatists seized territory in the eastern part of the neighboring country.
Tensions have risen sharply in recent weeks, with Kiev and its Western allies arguing that Moscow may be planning a new invasion. Russia, which has amassed nearly 100,000 troops near the border with Ukraine, denies any such intentions.
