Ukraine has accused Russia of attempting to illegally seize control of the strategically important Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. The accusations were made during the opening of hearings in a high-stakes arbitration case between Kyiv and Moscow at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
The dispute stems from Russia's actions following its 2014 annexation of Crimea and the subsequent 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine alleges that Russia is seeking to monopolize the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait by constructing a bridge across the Kerch Strait, effectively limiting international shipping access while facilitating the passage of small Russian river vessels.
