Ukraine Accuses Russia in High-Stakes Sea of Azov Arbitration

Ukraine accused Russia of trying to illegally seize control of the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait during hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The case, filed by Kyiv in 2016, claims Russia breached a UN maritime treaty by building an unlawful bridge and barring Ukrainian fishermen.

Ukraine has officially accused Russia of attempting an illegal takeover of the strategically vital Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. These accusations were made during the opening hearings at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, a significant case juxtaposed against the backdrop of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian representative Anton Korynevych alleged that Russia erected a $3.5-billion bridge to monopolize access to these waters, which are crucial for Russia's military logistics. According to Korynevych, this construction violates international law and disrupts traditional Ukrainian fishing zones, causing environmental and archaeological damage.

Russia, however, refutes these allegations, with Russian Agent Gennady Kuzmin asserting the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait are internal waters not subject to UN maritime laws. The hearings will proceed behind closed doors, with a final decision potentially years away.

(With inputs from agencies.)