You're reading: Russia, Ukraine to patrol Sea of Azov jointly – FSB

Russian and Ukrainian coast guards are due to launch a joint operation in the Sea of Azov on Monday to ensure unrestricted navigation and protect the sea's natural resources, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) coast guard department for the Black Sea and Sea of Azov said on Friday.

"The Sea of Azov is part of the internal waters of Russia and Ukraine, and the border guards of the two states conduct joint law enforcement activities there," the department said.

Besides customary exchanges of information on offender vessels, the operation plan includes joint patrolling of shipping routes in fishing regions and simultaneous inspections of vessels by Russian and Ukrainian guards.