Kyiv ready to file claim against Russia's violation of UN convention on law of sea - official

Kyiv ready to file claim against Russia's violation of UN convention on law of sea - official

She said that all claims of Ukraine could be narrowed down to four key points. "Firstly, the seizure of fields with mineral reserves and illegal oil and gas on the continental seabed of Ukraine in the Black Sea. Secondly, the unlawful seizure of power to regulate fishing, unlawful fishing and blocking Ukrainian fishing companies from their business in the offshore zone near the Crimean peninsula. Thirdly, the construction of a gas pipeline, a power line and a bridge across the Kerch Strait [which separates Russia and Crimea] without the consent of Ukraine; the unlawful blocking of transit of Ukrainian vessels across the Kerch Strait and the unlawful seizure of navigation rights. Fourthly, archaeological and historical studies in the Black Sea bed without the consent of Ukraine," Zerkal said. She said that these are key points and Ukraine could expand the list of claims. Zerkal said the ministry has been collecting information on the infringements in the past 18 months and drawing up the claim and all materials that are to be submitted to court.