US Concerned Over Russia's Moves to Block Kerch Strait

Washington has expressed deep concern regarding Moscow's plans to halt the passage of foreign military and other vessels in the Russian territorial waters of the Black Sea. This was stated in a statement released by the State Department.

The American diplomatic agency indicated that such actions are considered "an example of unprovoked escalation within the framework of Moscow's ongoing campaign to disrupt and destabilize the situation in Ukraine."

It is noteworthy that on April 16, the Russian Ministry of Defense's Navigation and Oceanography Directorate announced that certain areas of the Black Sea would be closed to foreign military vessels and other state vessels until October 31. In response, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed protest, labeling this move a violation of international law.