Ukraine’s Navy Commander Igor Voronchenko stated that the situation in the Sea of Azov remains tense, as Interfax Ukraine reports.
“There are at least 120 Ukrainian vessels and boats, but there are only 36 of those which can operate or maintain the vessels and have arms, and 24 of those which have enough arms… We have enhanced our efforts, we have transferred a boat group there for now, it is carrying out a combat task,” Voronchenko said.
According to him, this influences the situation with security in Pryazovia, trade and shipping industry. He added that the Ukrainian vessels did not stop over the past week.
“I think that the further escalation in the Black Sea might take place,” Voronchenko said.
On October 25, the EP adopted a resolution which condemns Russia’s actions in the Sea of Azov.
It should be noted that the Russian activity in the Sea of Azov increased over the last three months. Russians do not allow the trade vessels heading to and emerging from the Ukrainian ports to freely pass through the Kerch Strait. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko commissioned the Minister of Defense, the Chief of the General Staff and the HQ of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to take measures to stop the Russian provocations in relation to blocking the entry of vessels into Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov. Ukraine's Ministry of Infrastructure developed a set of measures in response to Russia's actions which includes the limit of passenger traffic with Russia.
