The Crimean bridge must be dismantled: Ukraine spoke at the Hague Court

Ukraine has finished presenting its position at the Arbitration Tribunal in the case of Russia’s violation of the UN Maritime Convention (UNCLOS).

On October 3, the presentation of Ukraine’s position at the Arbitration Tribunal in the case of Russia’s violation of the rights of the coastal state in the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait was completed in The Hague. This is повідомляє reported by “Ukrinform”.

The Deputy Agent of Ukraine, Oksana Zolotaryova, in her closing speech emphasized that even in times of war, Ukraine remains committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes and the protection of its rights in accordance with international law.

“In these difficult times, it is easy to lose hope in international law. Ukraine is a country at war. The war we are fighting to preserve our independence. A war we didn’t ask for. However, even in difficult times, Ukraine does not reject the right. Ukraine remains committed to the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes. Even when we are fighting for our country on the battlefield,” Zolotaryova said.

The representative of Ukraine emphasized that the case concerns not only past violations, such as the illegal construction of the Kerch bridge, the pursuit of Ukrainian ships, and neglect of obligations to protect the underwater environment and disrespect for underwater cultural heritage.

First of all, it is necessary to focus on the future of Ukraine, which, in particular, includes the restoration of the ports in Berdyansk and Mariupol.

“These ports on the Sea of ​​Azov will again play an important role in our economy, and will once again be used to supply grain around the world, especially to the countries of the Global South. This is another reason why we are coming before you. The purpose of this case is not only to obtain compensation for Russia’s past violations of UNCLOS, but also to secure the future for Ukraine. A future in which we will continue to send cargo ships, fishing fleets, state and military ships through the international waters of the Sea of ​​Azov and the Kerch Strait to the Black Sea and the waters of the World Ocean,” Zolotaryova summarized.

Ukraine also demands from the tribunal to oblige Russia to dismantle the Kerch Bridge and restore freedom of navigation through the Kerch Strait in accordance with international law.

It should be noted that Russia continues to violate the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, in particular by blocking Ukrainian ports and causing damage to the marine environment. The tribunal should oblige Russia to stop these violations and eliminate the consequences of illegal actions.

We remind you that the hearings began on September 23 and will continue until October 5. The first meeting of the tribunal on this case was held in May 2017, and a memorandum with evidence of Russia’s violations of Ukraine’s sovereign rights in the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait was submitted on February 19, 2018. The Russian Federation, for its part, objected to the tribunal’s jurisdiction to consider this claim.