Press release

Russia's release of 3 Ukrainian vessels: Foreign Office statement

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office gave a statement in response to Russia returning 3 Ukrainian vessels seized in the Black Sea in 2018.

• From: Foreign & Commonwealth Office
• Published: 20 November 2019

This was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government

Courtesy of the Office of the President of Ukraine

A Foreign Office spokesperson said:

The United Kingdom welcomes Russia’s return of the 3 Ukrainian vessels. This is long overdue.

Russia’s seizure of the vessels was contrary to international law. Russia must not hinder passage through the Kerch Straits.

The United Kingdom remains fully committed to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, including illegally annexed Crimea.

Published 20 November 2019