Black Sea | Ukrainian ship ignores Russian warnings for rerouting

Defence Redefined

Published on 10/12/2021 at 14:30

Russian sources say that the Ukrainian Navy ship “Donbas” ignores Russian warnings for rerouting.

In particular, according to announcements of the FSB (Russian Federal Security Service), on Thursday morning, December 9, the Ukrainian “Donbas” sailed from Mariupol to the Kerch Strait without seeking permission – under Russian Law – to cross the Kerch-Yenikalsky Canal. A Russian ship followed “Donbas” which in turn responded by saying that it did not intend to cross the canal. Russian sources stress that this act is a threat to the safety of navigation.

A subsequent announcement by the Russian FSB states that at present the Ukrainian ship is moving in the opposite direction and does not report to the Russian authorities. The announcement emphasises that this act is a provocation and a danger for navigation.

Official moves from both sides are expected as the situation in the area remains tense and any incident could cause an escalation of tension.

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