You're reading: Ukrainian border service repeatedly spots Russia’s drilling in Ukraine’s maritime economic zone

ODESA. Dec 5 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Ukrainian border service when monitoring the maritime zone in Ukraine on the board of Hryhoriy Kuropiatnikov ship with participation of representatives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Military Prosecutor General’s Office, environment inspectorate, Naftogaz Ukrainy, Chornomornaftogaz and other agencies observed violations of international maritime law by Russia near the Odeske gas field in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.

First Deputy Head of the Southern regional department of the State Border Service of Ukraine Viktor Babiuk told reporters last week that two self-lifting drilling rigs seized by Russia when it occupied Crimea – Ukraine and Tavryda – were spotted in this area of the Black Sea.

The border officers used international sea safety channels to address to the persons seized these rigs. They did not respond.

A Russian military vessel arrived to the area where the rigs were located after a while. The vessel used unsafe maneuvers near the Ukrainian ship in violation of international maritime law. Thanks to actions of the captain of the Ukrainian ship the collision of the ships was prevented.

The Ukrainian border service recorded all facts of violation of international maritime law.

“The information will be sent to the relevant agencies,” Babiuk said.