The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) strongly condemns Russia’s hostile actions of sea blockade of Ukraine under the pretext of holding regular naval exercises. In blatant disregard for international law, Russia restricts Ukraine’s maritime sovereignty, limits freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and impedes maritime traffic essential to Ukraine’s economy.
On February 8, Russia informed the Ukrainian side about its intention to block parts of the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov, and the Kerch Strait under the pretext of missile and gunnery exercises of the Russian fleet. This imposes a blockade on all major Ukrainian trade ports, leaving no corridors for the passage of merchant ships and making shipping in both seas virtually impossible. Such actions will have dire economic and social consequences for Ukrainian ports and are part of Russia’s hybrid warfare.
We call on the international community to hold Russia accountable for its hostile actions. Specifically, UWC calls for enhanced sanctions and banning Russian ships from Western ports in response to Moscow’s aggression. #StopRussianAggression #StandWithUkraine
