The arbitration tribunal partially recognised Russia’s violations in the Kerch Strait, but rejected most of Ukraine’s claims
This is according to Reuters.
An international arbitration tribunal in The Hague has partially upheld Ukraine’s claims in its case against Russia regarding the rights of a coastal state in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.
The ruling in the case was issued on 22 April 2026 and published on 15 June following the completion of procedures regarding the possible confidentiality of certain parts of the document.
What was upheld
The tribunal found that Russia had breached certain provisions of the law of the sea during the construction of the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russian territory with occupied Crimea.
In particular, the tribunal recognised that Moscow had failed to carry out a proper assessment of the construction’s impact on the marine environment.
What was rejected
The tribunal rejected most of Ukraine’s claims regarding Russia’s attempts to establish sole control over the Kerch Strait.
According to Reuters, this was on procedural grounds. The court also did not award Ukraine any reparations.
Who will pay the costs
The tribunal ruled that Ukraine and Russia must each bear their own legal costs.
The proceedings in the case lasted almost ten years.
What is the case about
Ukraine initiated proceedings against Russia in 2016 following the start of construction of the 19-kilometre Kerch Bridge.
The case was heard under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague acted as the registry in this arbitration.
Ukraine challenged Russia’s actions in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, particularly regarding navigation, natural resources, the construction of the bridge and control over maritime areas.
What Ukraine said
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that the arbitration had confirmed Ukraine’s status as a coastal state in the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.
The Ministry emphasised that Ukraine retains the sovereign rights provided for under international law, and that Russia’s unilateral actions after 2022 have not altered these rights.
The Kerch Bridge is a key transport artery for Russia to the occupied Crimea. Moscow uses it to supply the peninsula, including military logistics.
Therefore, legal disputes regarding the Kerch Strait and the bridge are of not only environmental or infrastructural significance, but also strategic importance.
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