THE KERCH CRISIS: THE INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT

The crisis over the seizure of three Ukrainian vessels in the Kerch Strait by the Russian Navy was one of the latest escalatory acts of the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine and started processes that will affect the further country’s policies in general.

The timing of the incident was extremely unfortunate for Russia. Just a month ago, the European Parliament voted for a resolution that recommended EU countries to strengthen sanctions against Russia in case of escalation of the situation in the Azov Sea. And now the Russian Navy gives Brussels the perfect excuse for the introduction of new sanctions.

But Ukraine has received more than has lost from this situation. We have an excellent set of facts, that can be submitted to international courts, gradually proving the presence of Russian aggression in the Crimea and Donbas region, ensuring that Russia will be under international sanctions and will pay multi-million compensations. Also, the incident can be a great occasion for a powerful media campaign and lobbying for strengthening sanctions against Russia.

Iliya Kusa, the expert on international politics and the Middle East issues of UIF