Ukrainian deputy foreign minister: Russia ignoring order of ITLOS

"The fact that Russia has not yet returned the illegally seized ships is another evidence of its breach of international law and principles. Russia is trying to present that it has enforced the ITLOS’ order when it released our sailors (and reported to the ITLOS on their release immediately). However, this is not true! Everyone should be aware that the order of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea has not been enforced," Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine for European Integration Olena Zerkal posted on Facebook.

She noted that Ukraine's appeal to Russia with a demand to return the captured ships hit the headlines today. At the same time, Zerkal recalled, the first such appeal was made on November 26, 2018 - the next morning after the illegal seizure of three Ukrainian warships and sailors.

"Then there were repeated similar appeals to Russia. Our lawsuit in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of April 1, 2019, also contains the demand to immediately release the ships. In total, there have been at least seven such appeals with the demand to return ships. We have not received any responses, including to the last appeal dated October 4, 2019," the deputy minister added.

In this context, Zerkal recalled that pursuant to the order of the ITLOS of May 25, 2019, Russia has to immediately return the Nikopol, the Berdyansk and the Yani Kapu ships to Ukraine.

"Russia deliberately continues to violate the rules and principles of international law. Until the ships are unconditionally returned to Ukraine's control, the pressure on Russia must be continued. The international community must be aware of a violation of international law, namely the non-compliance with a continuing order," the deputy minister summarized.

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