Ukraine has accused Russia of violating maritime law by attempting to control the critical Kerch Strait, which connects mainland Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula. The two nations clashed at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, with Ukraine arguing that Russia was trying to monopolize the strategic waterway. The dispute stems from Russia’s construction of the Crimea Bridge, which Ukraine believes was built intentionally low to restrict international ships while allowing Russian vessels through.
Ukraine started proceedings at the PCA in 2016, seeking to have the bridge demolished and prove Russia’s violations of maritime laws. Russia, on the other hand, denied any wrongdoing and claimed that the court had no jurisdiction over the case. Moscow argued that Ukraine was attempting to make the PCA rule on the sovereignty of Crimea, which is beyond its scope.
The court, established in 1899, is the world’s oldest arbitral tribunal and resolves disputes between countries and private parties. The hearings are expected to continue until October 5, with a decision likely taking months if not years to reach. Despite the ongoing legal battle, tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high, with the conflict showing no signs of resolution in the near future.
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