The ministers discussed Russia’s ongoing aggressive policy against Ukraine, in particular, the escalation of the situation in the Azov and Black Seas on November 25.

Pavlo Klimkin underscored: "Russian aggression in the Azov and Black Sea area is not an isolated incident, it is an element of the Kremlin's consistent aggressive policy and an open act of aggression against Ukraine."

The Minister called on international partners to consolidate efforts in order to immediately release 24 crew members of Ukrainian vessels which were captured in the military captivity in the territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone of our state in the Black Sea.

Pavlo Klimkin handed over to his colleagues a number of proposals on strengthening sanction regime against Russia in view of Kremlin's flagrant violations of the international law and open armed aggression against Ukraine. In particular, the Minister urged the EU and its Member States to impose restrictive measures against Russian seaports in the Azov and Black Seas as well as to add to the sanction lists Russian officials involved in the act of aggression against the Ukrainian vessels.

The EU Foreign Ministers reiterated the unwavering support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and agreed on the necessity to take further steps in order to release Ukrainian sailors, ensure freedom of navigation in the Azov and Black Seas and launch projects in support of the Ukrainian Azov region.