THE US State Department accused Russia of 'harassing' international shipping in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, off the coast of Russian-occupied Ukraine, reports American Shipper.
The Americans said that Russia has delayed has hundreds of commercial vessels since April and in recent weeks has stopped at least 16 cargo ships attempting to reach Ukrainian ports.
'Russia's actions to impede maritime transit are further examples of its ongoing campaign to undermine and destabilise Ukraine, as well as its disregard for international norms,' said the State Department communique.
'The United States supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, extending to its territorial waters,' he said.
A blockade of Sea of Azov by the Royal Navy in the 1853-1856 Crimean War resulted in defeat of Russia as it could not longer supply its otherwise impregnable fortress of Sebastopol.
The Americans said that Russia has delayed has hundreds of commercial vessels since April and in recent weeks has stopped at least 16 cargo ships attempting to reach Ukrainian ports.
'Russia's actions to impede maritime transit are further examples of its ongoing campaign to undermine and destabilise Ukraine, as well as its disregard for international norms,' said the State Department communique.
'The United States supports Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders, extending to its territorial waters,' he said.
A blockade of Sea of Azov by the Royal Navy in the 1853-1856 Crimean War resulted in defeat of Russia as it could not longer supply its otherwise impregnable fortress of Sebastopol.