Ukraine Accuses Russia of Illegally Seizing Control of Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, opened hearings on Monday concerning a high-stakes arbitration case between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has accused Russia of attempting to seize control of the strategically vital Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait.

Ukraine vs Russia: International Legal Conflicts

The hearings represent another chapter in the ongoing international legal disputes between Russia and Ukraine, stemming from Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The legal proceedings unfold amidst continued military confrontations in Ukraine.

Russia's Alleged Actions

Ukrainian representative Anton Korynevych presented the accusation that Russia is attempting to monopolize the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. He highlighted the construction of a bridge by Russia across the Kerch Strait and referred to it as a 'great gate' designed to impede international shipping while allowing small Russian river vessels access. The bridge, built post-Crimea annexation and costing $3.5 billion, spans 19 kilometers (12 miles) and serves as a crucial link for road and rail traffic, bolstering Russia’s military operations in southern Ukraine. Korynevych asserted the illegitimacy of the bridge and called for its dismantling.

Legal Actions Initiated by Ukraine

Ukraine initiated the legal case in 2016, two years after Russia’s controversial annexation of Crimea. The case accuses Russia of infringing upon a United Nations maritime treaty by constructing the bridge, thereby obstructing traditional fishing activities of Ukrainian fishermen, causing environmental damage, and vandalizing underwater archaeological sites. Ukraine is pursuing unspecified compensation for these alleged transgressions.

Russia, on the other hand, contends that the arbitration court lacks jurisdiction over the matter. In the event that the court's five judges assert jurisdiction, Russia requests the dismissal of Ukraine's claims. Russian Agent Gennady Kuzmin characterized Ukraine’s accusations as baseless and implausible. He further argued that the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait should be regarded as ‘internal waters,’ exempt from the purview of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which is the treaty Ukraine asserts Russia is violating.

Following the opening statements from both parties on Monday, the hearings will progress behind closed doors for several days. It is anticipated that a conclusive ruling may take several years to be reached.