Skipalsky: We need to prepare for the worst scenario

Photo: Sergey Krylatov / Gordonua.com

Russia has a real opportunity to limit the use of Ukraine the sea of Azov, said in comments to the edition “GORDON” the ex-Deputy head of the security Service of Ukraine Alexander Skipalsky.

“Russia strengthens combat readiness in the sea of Azov to protect their “sacred” borders. Expect them some relief is not necessary. That is why we need less talk the language and to strengthen their own positions, your defenses. In this matter there is no place for PR. Such things should never be shared. Every step on the way to strengthening the combat readiness of Ukraine is a military secret. And we keep going on about this lyapa languages”, – said Skipalsky.

According to him, Russia continues to detain Ukrainian and foreign vessels in the sea of Azov.

“Russia really may close for Ukraine the sea of Azov. They operate from a position of strength. Well, what can we expect from the aggressor? He won’t change his behavior, yet his power is not forced to do it. And to do that we need to be strong. Then Europe will Ukraine really help. In the meantime, the Federation will hold in the Azov sea and the Ukrainian and foreign vessels. We need to prepare for the worst-case scenario,” summed up Skipalsky.

November 15 assistant to the Chairman of the State border service of Ukraine Oleg Slobodyan reported that Russia rerouted part of the naval forces off the coast of the occupied Crimea to the Azov sea. He noted that his Department is also expanding its presence in the Azov sea in response to Russia’s actions.

In April, Russian border guards have started to stop the court in the sea of Azov. For the six months detained more than 200 foreign ships that followed in the Ukrainian ports, declared to the edition “GORDON” the press Secretary of the state border service of Ukraine Oleg Slobodyan.

In September, the national security Council and defense of Ukraine approved the complex of measures aimed at protecting Ukraine’s national interests in the southern regions, the waters of the Azov and Black seas. In the state border service of Ukraine reported that about 270 soldiers would be sent to serve in units on the Azov and Black seas. Until the end of 2018 in the sea of Azov the planned establishment of a naval base to counter aggressive Russian actions in the region, said the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers.

According to the State border service of Ukraine at the end of October, Russia has already formed a group of more than 120 ships and boats in the sea of Azov.

On 6 September, the Council approved a set of measures aimed at protecting Ukraine’s national interests in the southern regions, the waters of the Azov and Black seas, and on 12 October, Council members re-voted for the document.

The European Parliament on 25 October adopted a resolution which expressed concern over Russia’s violation of international law in the sea of Azov. The document condemns the excessive activity of the Russian Federation for the inspection of commercial ships in the waters of the Azov – both Ukrainian and third countries, including marching under the flags of EU member States.