Latvia condemns the blockade of the Azov Sea by Russia
The blockade of the Azov Sea is another proof of Russia's consistent destructive regional policy. Russia continues aggression in the Donbas and does nothing to de-escalate the conflict, said Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis at a joint briefing with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Kyiv, Ukrinform reported.
"Latvia strongly condemns Russian aggression in Donbas. Unfortunately, Moscow does not take any steps to de-escalate the conflict. The blockade of the Sea of Azov is another proof of Russia's consistent destructive regional policy," Vējonis said.
He added that Latvia strongly supports the position of the European Union regarding the non-recognition of illegal elections in the occupied territories of the Donbas, and expressed full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
"The sanctions imposed on Russia should remain in force until the full implementation of the Minsk agreements," the president of Latvia said.
On September 6, the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine decided to strengthen the naval presence in the Azov Sea.
In mid-May, after the completion of the automobile part construction of the Kerch Bridge, Russia reportedly relocated sea vessels, including the military ships of the Caspian flotilla to the Azov Sea. At the same time, Moscow referred to the need to strengthen security around the strategic facility [ the Kerch Bridge].
Since then, Russia has detained more than 148 Ukrainian and foreign merchant ships and interrogated crew members and other people who were on those vessels.