Ukraine and Russia Clash at The Hague Over Kerch Strait Maritime Law Violations

Sep 23, 2024, 12:00 PM

Ukraine and Russia have clashed at the International Court of Arbitration in The Hague over a long-running dispute regarding access to coastal waters around the annexed Crimea peninsula. Hearings on Russia's alleged violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea began on September 23 and will continue until October 5, after which public information about the hearings will be published. Ukraine accuses Russia of flouting maritime law by attempting to maintain control over the Kerch Strait, a strategic waterway between mainland Russia and Crimea. Ukraine also argues that the Crimean Bridge was deliberately built low to restrict international shipping. Russia has requested the arbitration court to dismiss all of Ukraine's claims.