Ukraine has accused Russia of violating maritime law by attempting to control the Kerch Strait, a strategic waterway between mainland Russia and occupied Crimea. The two nations faced off at an international court in the Netherlands where Ukraine argued that Russia was looking to claim the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait for itself.
The dispute began in 2016 when Russia started constructing the Crimea Bridge, linking its mainland to the peninsula it had seized from Ukraine. Ukraine claims that the bridge was purposely built too low to block international ships while allowing smaller Russian vessels to pass through. Kyiv wants the bridge demolished, while Moscow denies interfering with navigation.
Russia’s representative stated that Ukraine’s claims were baseless and outside the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that Ukraine was trying to have the court rule on the sovereignty of Crimea. The court ruled in 2020 that Russia had a point and requested Ukraine to refile its case accordingly.
The Permanent Court of Arbitration, established in 1899, is handling the dispute between the two nations. The hearings are expected to continue until October 5, with a decision likely taking months, if not years to reach. The court aims to resolve disputes related to contracts, special agreements, and international treaties, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, the outcome of the court’s decision will have significant implications for the control of the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov. Ukraine remains steadfast in its efforts to prove Russia’s violations of maritime laws, while Moscow continues to assert its authority over the strategically important waterway.
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