Nataliia Galibarenko reminded that after annexation by Russia of the Crimean peninsula Ukraine closed all ports in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. However, Russia continues to violate international law by “taking over” responsibility for international shipping issues in maritime areas adjacent to the Crimean peninsula as an integral part of the territory of Ukraine. Such actions pose a threat to navigation in the Black Sea.

Permanent representative urged the IMO Member States to ensure the compliance by ship owners, operators and ship masters with international law.

Permanent representative also brought to the attention of the IMO the other flagrant violations by Russia, in particular actual seizure and illegal usage of Ukrainian gas and oil fields located in the continental shelf and exclusive economic zone of Ukraine.

The 29^th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly is taking place in London on 23 November – 2 December 2015.