05.01.2018, Simferopol.
Ukrainian ships can always pass into the Azov Sea if Kiev observes the international norms and the navigational requirements, the permanent representative of Crimea to the president of the Russian Federation Georgy Muradov said, RIA Novosti reported on January 4.
This statement was made after the counselor to the president of Ukraine Yuri Biryukov revealed Kiev’s plans to send navy ships again through the Strait of Kerch, involving “international partners.” Kiev has repeatedly said that it has the right to unimpeded transit between the Black and the Azov Seas.
Muradov stressed that there was no problem about the transit for Ukrainian ships. Any ships, including Ukrainian ones, must observe the international maritime regulations and procedures when passing the narrow Kerch-Yenikale channel. Kiev’s actions endanger the safety of navigation in the Strait of Kerch, Muradov believes.
On November 25, three Ukrainian navy ships violated the Russian border passing from the Black Sea towards the Strait of Kerch. As a result, 24 crew members were detained, including officials of the Ukrainian Security Service (Ukrainian: SBU). All of them are currently under arrest.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
