The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has firmly opposed the decision of the Russian Federation government to include the seaports of the occupied Berdyansk and Mariupol in the list of ports open to foreign vessels in Russia. The corresponding order was adopted on August 22.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Violation of International Law and Calls for Sanctions
The diplomatic agency emphasized that this step is seen as yet another attempt to legitimize the occupation and consolidate Russia’s illegal control over Ukrainian territories. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that this decision contradicts the fundamental norms and principles of international law.
“This decision is a blatant violation of fundamental norms and principles of international law… Ukraine calls on its partners to impose additional strict sanctions against all Russian individuals and legal entities, as well as foreign companies, if they engage in commercial activities in the seaports of Berdyansk and Mariupol, as well as vessels entering the ports in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine,” the statement released on the evening of August 25 reads.
It is also emphasized that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to remind member states of the need to adhere to the closed port regime in the occupied Ukrainian territory. Ukraine recommends taking measures against vessels that violate this regime, in accordance with national legislation and international obligations of each country.
Consequences of Occupation and Call to the International Community
The agency is convinced that Russia’s actions require a strong response from the international community, particularly the strengthening of sanctions against Russian ports involved in supporting the functioning of Russia’s military machine.
Berdyansk fell under occupation at the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops in February 2022. Mariupol was occupied in the spring of the same year after a prolonged siege and fierce battles, resulting in significant destruction of the city.