Ukrainian government closes ports of Berdiansk, Mariupol, Skadovsk, Kherson

That's according to a statement posted on the website of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, Ukrinform reports.

"In connection with the full-scale war waged by the Russian Federation on February 24, 2022 against Ukraine and the Ukrainian people in violation of international law, launching missile strikes across Ukraine and committing crimes against our society, the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine adopted order No. 256 of April 28, 2022, registered with the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine on April 29, 2022 as No. 470/37806 'On the closure of seaports'," the statement said.

According to the order, from the date of its official publication, the seaports of Berdiansk, Mariupol, Skadovsk and Kherson are closed until control over the seaports is regained.

Such a decision was made due to the inability to service ships and passengers as well as to ensure an adequate level of safety of navigation and protection of the environment during Russia's military operations in these regions that threaten human life and health.

The operation of the seaports will be resumed after Ukraine's victory over the Russian occupiers, the statement said.