On the 25th November 2018, Ukrainian military vessels were seized by Russia en route a transfer from the Dead Sea to the Azov Sea through the Kerch Strait. Russian Suzdalets began escorting the Ukrainian vessels through the Kerch Strait. Crimea is Ukrainian territory, regardless of Russian troops utilizing the area as a military base. Russia stated Ukrainian vessels were not to travel through the strait alone as there were international sea restrictions present, regardless of the fact there were no restrictions. The seizing of these military vessels were a clear international violation by Russia of the UN Charter Article 2, Helsinki Accords 1975 Final Act, and the International Humanitarian Law. Accusations of discriminative actions towards Ukraine by Russia were brought up in an informative video shown to the committee provided by the Minister of Ukraine. Madame Minister of Ukraine highlighted the violated legal issues behind Russia’s actions and emphasized the detained sailors and vessels should immediately be released.  

All speaking delegations were in agreement with the aggression exhibited by Russia towards Ukraine. All countries were in accordance with justice for Ukraine. The United States has transferred two coast guards to maintain sanctions against Russia in the benefit of Ukraine and support for respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty was displayed from all delegations. The International Court of Justice was urged to step in and take action. Letters were submitted to the tribunal with an outline of the clear violations performed by Russia; priority was given to the detained navy personnel and crew in hopes of bringing the sailors home. A resolution titled “The problem of militarization of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol (Ukraine), as well as parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov” was drafted and will be presented to the UN General Assembly on 17th December 2018.

Meeting: Security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov Region

Date/Location: 5 December 2018, Conference Room 4

Speakers: Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko, Minister of Ukraine Olena Zerkal, United States, United Kingdom, Lithuania, Sweden, Germany, Listonia, Croatia, Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria, Georgia, Latvia, Canada

Written By: WIT Representative Jessica Shi