The Ukrainian Navy is preparing to give battle to Russia in the Sea of Azov
The Ukrainian Navy is ready to repel a possible attack on Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov. There are plans to establish a new naval base here in the near future. The Ukrainian military intends to counteract the Russians, who, after the seizure of the Crimean seiner Nord, tightened the inspection of ships heading to Mariupol and Berdyansk, which leads to downtime and losses for shipowners, as well as Ukrainian ports.
The commander of the Ukrainian Naval Forces, Vice Admiral Igor Voronchenko, stated this in an interview with Radio Liberty.
“I can assure you that we are analyzing and monitoring the situation in the Sea of Azov, and have worked out the appropriate countermeasures. We have the strength to repel a possible attack. The Navy is on alert.
I recently returned from Berdyansk and Mariupol. There is an agreement (although so far oral) on the creation of an Azov naval base. The management of sea trade ports is well aware that limiting the entry of ships into ports will lead to job cuts at enterprises. This will provoke social tension, this cannot be allowed.
Over 17 days in June, Russian border guards subordinate to the Russian FSB detained 49 foreign ships that were heading to Mariupol and Berdyansk. For an hour of downtime, shipowners lose amounts from 5 to 15 thousand dollars; downtime lasts from three to eight hours. So, count how much money shipowners are losing due to the impudence of Russia, which for some reason decided that it has grounds to reign supreme in the Sea of Azov. No one can violate international maritime law. “I must do everything that depends on the Ukrainian Navy for the safety of our fishermen and the passage of merchant ships flying foreign flags without interference,” said the Ukrainian admiral.
In response to a clarifying question about what the Ukrainian Ukrainian Armed Forces will do, Voronchenko replied: “We will escort the violators.”
The Ukrainian Navy is preparing to fight Russia in the Sea of Azov.