Moscow - Saba:
Russia will not allow Ukraine and Britain to approach the Sea of Azov, spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday, noting that it will resolutely suppress any claims related to the Azov, which has become an internal Russian sea.
Russian news agencies quoted Maria Zakharova as saying in a comment on the signing of the "centenary partnership" agreement between Kiev and London, after "they agreed on a partnership in the field of maritime security that includes the Baltic Sea, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov."
"Behind this agreement is London's old ambition to be present in these water areas, especially in the Azov and Black Seas. As for Kiev, despite all its geopolitical demands, it plays only a supporting role," she added.
"We want to warn the dreamers on Bankovaya Street in Kiev and Downing Street in London that there is no place for Ukraine or Britain in the Sea of Azov. After the reunification of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions with Russia in September 2022, the Sea of Azov has become an internal Russian sea. Any demands on this water area will be considered interference in Russia's affairs and will be resolutely suppressed."
The Sea of Azov is of great strategic and economic importance and has become a point of tension between Russia and the Atlantic.
It is worth noting that recent developments in the region, including the construction of the Russian bridge across the Kerch Strait to connect Crimea to the lands of the new Russia, have further complicated the geopolitical situation.