The measure was reported by the Directorate of Navigation and Oceanography of the Ministry of Defense on the 14th, underlining its activation on April 24th, as per the Sputnik news agency.

The closures take place in Russian territorial waters, along the Crimean coast between Sevastopol and Gurzuf, in the Cape Opuk area, and near the western edge of the peninsula.

According to the Defense Ministry, the traffic cut is linked to military maneuvers being conducted by the Russian Navy, although the restrictions will not affect navigation through the Kerch Strait.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov pointed out regarding Moscow’s decision that Russia has acted in accordance with international agreements by closing certain areas of the Black Sea during military exercises.

Moscow’s decision caused annoyance in Ukraine, the United States and the European Union, which ‘perceive it as new threats against Kiev,’ explained Viktor Murakhovski, editor-in-chief of the Arsenal Otechestva military magazine to the Kommersant journal.

rly/llp/agp/mml