Russia has been increasing its military presence in the Sea of Azov, where it has blocked Ukrainian ships from entering.
Russia has been increasing its military presence in the Sea of Azov, where it has blocked Ukrainian ships from entering. This is despite the fact that Russia and Ukraine share access to the sea via a 2003 treaty. The sea connects to the Black Sea and is home to two major ports on either side of the conflict: Mariupol in Ukraine and Rostov-on-Don in Russia. In recent months, Russian forces have reportedly been blocking access to Mariupol’s port with warships, while also building up their own naval presence in the area.
So why does Russia want control over this area?
What is happening in the Sea of Azov?
The BBC reports, citing Ukrainian officials, that Russian coast guard vessels have seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews near Crimea on Sunday morning (October 21st). According to reports, three Ukrainian navy boats were sailing from Odessa to Mariupol when they were stopped by Russian ships near Kherson region. The BBC adds that this was one of several incidents involving Russian ships over a 24-hour period.
Why does Russia want control over this area?
The BBC reports, citing analysts, that control over access to these ports could be used as leverage for future negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
