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Comment by the MFA of Ukraine on the case concerning the seizure of Ukrainian naval vessels and servicemen in 2018

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

22 August 2025 11:25

On 21 August, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine received a letter from the agent of the Russian Federation in the Dispute Concerning the Detention of Ukrainian Naval Vessels and Servicemen (Ukraine v. the Russian Federation) under Annex VII to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The letter was sent to the Arbitral Tribunal and announced Russia's formal withdrawal from the proceedings, as well as its intention to consider any future decisions of the Tribunal as null and void.

In publicly commenting on its decision, the Russian side refers to the alleged improper constitution of the Arbitral Tribunal, alleged bias of some of its members, and other supposed serious procedural violations that, according to Russia, significantly undermine the independence and integrity of the proceedings and raise serious concerns about the Tribunal's ability to adjudicate the dispute impartially and objectively.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine views such behavior by the Russian Federation as yet another attempt to evade international legal responsibility for violations of international law, including the provisions and principles of the UNCLOS. Facing the inevitability of accountability for the unlawful seizure of 24 Ukrainian servicemen on 25 November 2018 near the Kerch Strait and their subsequent detention for nine months in Russian prisons, the Russian side hastily announces its withdrawal from the proceedings at their final stage.

At the same time, we emphasize that the Russian Federation's formal withdrawal does not terminate the proceedings. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine will continue to represent Ukraine in this case. Ensuring justice for all victims and those affected by Russia's numerous violations of international law, and securing compansations for the harm caused, remains our priority.

As demonstrated by numerous previous cases concerning Russian crimes and internationally wrongful acts, Moscow may continue to deny its involvement, reject the jurisdiction of international courts, spread disinformation in the media, or shift blame onto others — but justice and accountability are inevitable.