Illegal Kerch Bridge Built by Russia “Must Come Down,” Says Ukraine at The Hague

Russia’s illegal Kerch bridge has created a permanent obstacle to maritime shipping, in particular for large international vessels carrying Ukrainian goods. Ukraine emphasizes the importance of dismantling the Crimean bridge and restoring free passage through the Kerch Strait.

This was stated by the Agent of Ukraine, Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Anton Korynevych, during his speech at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

“Russia now views the Kerch Strait, the Sea of Azov, and perhaps even parts of the Black Sea, as its proprietary waters.  Russia wants these waters to be viewed as part of its 21st century empire.  And while you will hear Russia’s experts say the Sea of Azov is similar to a lake or a river, Ukraine does not accept this, and neither should this Tribunal.  The Sea of Azov is not a lake or a small river delta,” Korynevych said.

Korynevich stressed the importance of dismantling the Crimean bridge and restoring free passage through the Kerch Strait: “The bridge is unlawful, and it must come down. The Kerch Strait should be returned to its status before this illegal threat to navigation began.”

“The Russian Federation has illegally built a permanent impediment to transit, an exceptionally low bridge. The bridge is lower than suggested by Russia’s own studies; lower than requested by Russia’s own industrial interests; and lower than any bridge built or even proposed in modern times over an international strait,” said Korynevych.

He emphasized that some of the most important classes of vessels used in international trade can no longer pass through the Strait.

“The kind of vessels that carried Ukrainian steel, grain, and other foodstuffs to the rest of the world.  Today, this bridge not only impedes transit passage, but Russia uses this illegal bridge to send a steady stream of military weapons and supplies to the Crimean peninsula,” Korynevych added.

The Crimean bridge was constructed to link the temporarily occupied Crimea to Russia via the Kerch Strait. Crimea, the autonomous republic located in southern Ukraine on the Black Sea, was invaded by Russia and annexed in 2014, a move condemned by the international community.