Ukraine calls for strict sanctions against Russia over illegal port openings in occupied territories
Ukraine has sharply condemned the Russian Federation’s decision of August 22, 2025, to include the ports of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian cities of Berdiansk and Mariupol into Russia’s list of ports open for foreign vessels.
This move is viewed as an ongoing attempt by the Kremlin to legitimize the occupation of Ukrainian territories and cement its illegal control over these regions.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasized that such actions totally violate fundamental principles of international law, including the UN Charter, which guarantees national sovereignty and prohibits interference in internal affairs, as well as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982, which governs navigational rights within territorial waters.
The statement highlighted that Russia’s steps constitute a blatant provocation and a breach of international commitments, including UN General Assembly resolutions reaffirming Ukraine’s sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders and condemning Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Ukraine urged the international community to impose additional sanctions against Russian individuals, entities, and ships involved in activities at the ports of Berdiansk and Mariupol.
The Foreign Ministry called for strict measures in response to Russia’s blatant violation of international law, including restricting Russian ports involved in military infrastructure.
Just prior to these developments, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order adding the ports of Mariupol and Berdiansk to the list open to foreign vessels, further undermining international legal standards and escalating tensions in the region.