On November 25, 2018 the attack on Ukrainian ships was carried out during its sea crossing from the port of Odessa to the port of Mariupol. The passage of the vehicles was conducted in accordance with the provisions of all effective multilateral and bilateral international treaties and navigation rules, the Russian side has been informed in advance of the Ukrainian Navy Forces legitimate intention to pass through the Kerch-Yenikale canal.
The attack is nothing but another act of armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as defined, in particular, in Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations and the provisions of UN General Assembly Resolution 29/3314 of 14 December 1974 on the definition of aggression: regardless of declaration of war an attack by the armed forces of a State on the land, sea or air forces, or marine and air fleets of another State is qualified as an act of aggression.
Thus, Russia has de facto expanded its military aggression against Ukraine to the sea.
Kremlin once again demonstrated that it won’t stop its aggressive policy and is ready for any acts of aggression against the Ukrainian state.
Ukraine demands to return the captured navy ships and to compensate for the damage caused, provide urgent medical assistance to the wounded and to ensure their immediate safe return home.
It is Kremlin’s regime who bears full responsibility for further aggravation of the situation in the Azov and Black Seas and for undermining the peaceful settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict.
Ukraine expressed its strong protest to the Russian Federation in connection with the armed attack and capture of the Ukrainian navy ships «Berdyansk», «Nikopol» and the tug boat «Yana Kapu», as well as the wounding and capturing of members of their crews.
Ukraine urges its allies and partners to take all necessary measures to deter the aggressor, i.a. by applying new and strengthening existing sanctions, as well as by providing Ukraine with military assistance to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty within the internationally recognized borders.