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Ukraine Condemns Russia’s Illegal Opening of Occupied Berdiansk and Mariupol Ports to Foreign Ships
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned and declared null and void a decree adopted by the Russian government on August 22, which illegally added the seaports of the occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol to the list of Russian ports open to foreign vessels.
In its statement published on August 25, the ministry emphasized that Moscow’s move is yet another attempt to legitimize its occupation and entrench unlawful control over Ukrainian territories seized by force.
“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, should they engage in commercial activity in the seaports of Berdiansk and Mariupol, and against vessels entering ports located in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory,” the MFA said in its message.
The ministry also appealed to the International Maritime Organization to remind all member states of their obligation to respect the closed-port regime on occupied Ukrainian territory. It called on states to use their national jurisdiction and international commitments to take appropriate measures against any vessels that violate this regime.
“We are convinced that Russia’s blatant violation of international law concerning the closed ports in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territory requires a strong and adequate response from the international community. This must include measures targeting ports on Russian territory, especially those directly engaged in supporting Russia’s war machine, and the introduction of tough sanctions against them,” the MFA underlined.
Earlier, Ukrainian forces carried out successful counteroffensive actions in Donetsk region, reclaiming control over the villages of Mykhailivka, Velykyi Hai, and Volodymyrivka.
According Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukrainian troops conducted operations on the Pokrovsk front, driving Russian forces out of the settlements. During his visit to the area, he inspected frontline command posts, received reports from unit commanders, and personally presented state awards to service members for their courage and effectiveness in combat.
