Ukraine is considering the option of forcefully unblocking the Azov Sea - Deputy Minister
An extremely difficult situation is developing for Kyiv in the Sea of Azov, where after the seizure of the Russian fishing vessel Nord, Russian border guards have stepped up inspections of ships heading to Ukrainian ports.
Deputy Minister for “Temporarily Occupied Territories” Georgiy Tuka stated this in an interview with the Kyiv online publication “Apostrophe”.
He was asked whether it could be considered that Ukraine had already lost the Sea of Azov.
“The situation is very difficult, but I cannot say that we have lost him. I am not prepared to divulge certain scenarios that we are currently exploring, including the use of force in relation to unlocking. The question is very difficult. And I just wouldn’t like to talk about upcoming actions now, without a definite decision,” Tuca said.
At the same time, he admitted that Russia, by inspecting ships in the Sea of Azov, is not violating, but “abusing the right.”
He was also asked when Kyiv’s action strategy in the Sea of Azov would be made public.
“I think that it will not be made public until it is implemented,” the official said evasively.
“Is this this year?” the publication clarified.
"Don't think. This, as I say, is with the help of our international partners. If they agree to it. This is a difficult question,” said Tuca.
Ukraine is considering the option of forcibly unblocking the Sea of Azov, according to the deputy minister.