Naval Blockade of Ukraine’s Black Sea Ports in the Light of International Law

What is it about?

The current armed conflict caused by direct Russian military aggression against Ukraine and hybrid actions emphasize the importance of shipping and seaports for neutral States and belligerents. One of the most effective means of warfare used initially was a prohibition of navigation in the north-western Black Sea. In this context, the question is if Russia’s right to employ a naval blockade or war zone outweigh the rights of neutral States to trade with a belligerent? The meaning of the term ‘naval blockade’ encompasses the interception by sea of the approaches to the coasts or ports of an enemy with the purpose of cutting off all their overseas communications. War zones are a method of warfare if they are used to warn merchant and neutral shipping of the hazards inherent in conflict at sea. Russia’s official declaration of the ‘special military operation’ aimed at obscuring the true nature of the ongoing full-scale, unprovoked war against Ukraine. A naval blockade is a method of naval warfare, but it is not legal under the jus ad bellum. Therefore, by declaring and enforcing the blockade, Russia would have been compelled to acknowledge its engagement in unprovoked military aggression.

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Photo by Abdullah Al Hasan on Unsplash

Photo by Abdullah Al Hasan on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The armed conflict caused by direct Russian military aggression against Ukraine and various hybrid actions once again emphasize the importance of shipping and critical infrastructure such as seaports.

Perspectives