Ukraine urges dismantling of Crimean bridge during Hague court hearing

Source: Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

During hearings at The Hague, Ukraine made a convincing case for the dismantling of the Crimean Bridge and the restoration of free navigation through the Kerch Strait. Ukraine’s special envoy, Anton Korynevych, argued that Moscow illegally constructed the bridge, which created a “lasting obstacle” to international maritime traffic.

The blockade poses a significant threat, especially to large vessels transporting Ukrainian goods. Korynevych stressed that Russia deliberately throws a wrench into navigation in the Sea of Azov, trying to seize control of it and the Kerch Strait, treating this area as part of its so-called “21st-century empire.”

He also pointed out that the bridge, built is “too low” for many ships that used to carry Ukrainian steel and grain to global markets.

To make thing worse, Russia uses the bridge to transfer weapons into occupied Crimea and frequently detains ships headed to Ukrainian ports.

Unsuprisingly, Russian representatives rejected the accusations, calling them “baseless” and beyond the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.