Ukraine Accuses Russia of Illegal Control Over Kerch Strait at Hague Hearings

Ukraine argues that Russia's construction of the Kerch Bridge violates international maritime law and restricts vital shipping routes.

Ukraine has initiated arbitration proceedings against Russia at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, accusing it of violating the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Ukraine's representative, Anton Korynevych, claims that Russia built the Kerch Bridge to restrict international shipping and facilitate its military operations in Crimea.
The Kerch Bridge, which connects mainland Russia to annexed Crimea, is said to impede the passage of large international vessels, affecting global trade.
Russia denies the allegations, arguing that the arbitration court lacks jurisdiction and that the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait are internal waters not covered by the UN Convention.
The hearings, which began on September 23 and will continue until October 5, are part of a broader series of international legal disputes between Ukraine and Russia following the annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion.