EU welcomes Ukraine's lawsuits on Azov Sea

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said this while addressing MPs during hearings on the situation in the Azov Sea.

"We appreciate that Ukraine is seeking justice in international courts, such as the ongoing case under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea," Mogherini said.

She said that when international law is violated, when Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated, the European Union stands by the people of Ukraine. "We immediately condemned the construction of the Kerch Bridge without Ukraine's consent. In July, the Council added six entities involved in the construction of the [Kerch] Bridge to the list of those subject to restrictive measures over actions that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Mogherini said.

She said that the EU would continue to push for the respect of international law and conventions, and to support Ukraine in these challenging circumstances. 

"I am sure that I can count on the support of this [European] Parliament in this work we are doing," she said.

Russian security forces in April began to detain vessels heading to Ukrainian ports in the Azov Sea. Such actions by the aggressor are a violation of international maritime law aimed at undermining the economic, political and security interests of Ukraine in the region.

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