Moscow Warns Kiev Against Attempts To Unilaterally Change Azov Sea Status

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd November, 2018) Russia warns Ukraine against attempts to revise the status of the Sea of Azov as inland waters shared two countries in violation of international law, and urges Kiev to refrain from risky steps aimed at establishing state borders there unilaterally, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.

"Russia is open to a constructive dialogue on the situation in the Sea of Azov and would like to warn Ukraine against attempts to revise the current status of the Sea of Azov as internal waters of two countries in violation of international laws," the ministry said in a statement.

Moscow went on to call on Kiev to refrain from any "risky" moves in the region.

"In this regard, we urge Kiev to refrain from any risky steps aimed at the unilateral establishment of a state border in the Sea of Azov, which Russia does not recognize," the ministry added.

Russia is also gravely concerned by Ukraine's efforts to escalate situation in the Sea of Azov as it hampers security and the revival of bilateral ties, according to the Foreign Ministry.

"Kiev's confrontational course to destabilize the Russian-Ukrainian relations is supported by a number of states, including the European Union member countries .

.. Russia is seriously concerned about the continuing attempts by Ukraine to exacerbate the situation in the Sea of Azov. The regular escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine impedes the restoration of bilateral relations and goes against the interests of regional and international security," the statement read.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Sea of Azov rose this year after Ukraine detained two Russian ships for port calls in Russian Crimea, which Ukraine considers as its territory. Russia described the move as "maritime terrorism" and ramped up patrols off its Azov coast, prompting Ukraine to accuse Russia of illegal searches.

The crisis escalated in October, when the Ukrainian parliament passed a draft law authorizing Kiev to expand maritime controls by 12 nautical miles off its southern coast, allegedly in an effort to counter smuggling in the Black Sea.

The dispute has been brought to attention of the European Union. The EU neighborhood policy commissioner, Johannes Hahn, said during a trip to Kiev that the issue was high on the agenda.