Ukraine Bans Russian Ships Access to Its Internal Waters

On Saturday, a law banning Russian ships from navigation on the rivers of Ukraine, came into effect, starting today.

The law “On Inland Water Transport” was signed by the Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky back in 2020, the rule prohibits the access of Russian cargo ships to the country’s inland waters.

These include the Dniester, Danube, Dnieper and a number of other rivers. The document regulates relations in the field of shipping and the liability of shipowners for violation of the law, and also regulates the issue of sunken ships.

December 30, 2020 Zelensky signed the law “On Inland Water Transport”, which regulates relations in the field of shipping on the territory of Ukraine. The document prohibits “ships flying the flag of the aggressor state” from sailing on the rivers of the country. It is noted that this law is aimed at implementing the basic requirements of the Association Agreement with the European Union (EU).

Russian-Ukrainian relations have deteriorated due to the armed conflict in Donbas.

Ukraine accuses Russia of meddling in its internal affairs, and in January 2015 declared it an "aggressor country." The West has backed Ukraine and imposed sanctions on Moscow.

Moscow, meanwhile, has repeatedly stressed that it is not taking part in Ukraine's internal conflict and that Kiev is interested in overcoming the political and economic crisis.