The European Union is intended to take concrete actions on the situation in the Sea of Azov in the coming weeks or days. High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini claimed it at the press conference, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
‘This is an issue on which we will continue to work with member countries and EU institutions, including the adoption of appropriate targeted measures in the coming days or weeks,’ Mogherini claimed.
According to her, the situation in the Sea of Azov is damaging the economy of both Ukraine and vessels under the flags of the European countries.
High Representative noted that the EU brought to the attention of Russia the necessity to end excessive inspection of vessels in the Sea of Azov. She said that the EU authorities, in particular, the European Commission examine support measures for those regions of Ukraine that have been affected by the actions of Russia. The Representative added that this matter was discussed at the session of the Council of the European Union for international affairs.
‘Today, we have an opportunity to express the full unity of the European Union, which we have expressed earlier regarding the non-recognition of the so-called elections that took place on November 11 in Donbas,’ Mogherini added.
In his turn, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko claimed on Twitter that the Council of the European Union adopted a decision on provision of assistance to Ukraine to develop Azov region.
‘For the first time, the Council of the European Union discussed the issues of aggressive actions of Russia in the Sea of Azov. I am thankful for the approval of the initiative to reinforce the EU assistance for the social-economic development of the Ukrainian Azov region,’ the President claimed.
He has also noted that he ‘welcomes the results of today’s session of the Council of Europe for international affairs that confirmed the prioritized attention of the EU to support Ukraine in repelling Russian aggression and restoring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our state.’
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. In this regard, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko commissioned the Minister of Defense, the Chief of the General Staff and the Commandment of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to take measures to stop Russian provocations in relation to blocking the entry of vessels into Ukrainian ports on the Azov Sea. The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine developed a set of measures in response to Russia's actions. The set of measures includes the limit of passenger traffic with Russia.
