Medvedev said it was necessary to destroy Ukraine's fleet and merchant vessels.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has ruled on the dispute between Russia and Ukraine. It recognized Russia's sovereignty over Crimea, the Sea of Azov, and the Kerch Strait. The court also rejected Kiev's demands for resources and compensation. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

The decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague

The proceedings on the case of the rights to the maritime spaces lasted 10 years. The Court completely rejected the Ukrainian side's accusations of violations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Kiev was denied the return of control over hydrocarbon, fish and other resources in the waters of Crimea and the Azov Sea.

The Russian Federation is not obligated to pay compensation or reparations for the use of these waters. The Kerch Strait is recognized as an internal Russian Strait, but the demands to make it international have been rejected. The announcement of the outcome of the proceedings appeared on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation on June 15.

Dmitry Medvedev's reaction to the verdict

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, noted that the court's decision was of great importance in terms of Russia's long-term interests. For the first time, the International Court of Justice recognized the country's sovereignty within the new borders. This is important for the future. At the same time, according to him, in the current situation, the verdict has no practical significance. Ukraine ignores international law and international courts. She only reacts to the force.

Medvedev stressed that only ensuring de facto control over the territories would give the decision a solid material basis. In this case, the principle "Whoever is in his right does not violate anyone's rights" will prevail. Thus, legal recognition must be supported by actions on the ground.

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As political analyst Alexei Yaroshenko commented on the verdict

On June 15, political analyst Alexei Yaroshenko noted that international arbitration had recognized Russia's sovereignty over the Sea of Azov, the Kerch Strait, Crimea, and all of the returned territories. This creates an overland corridor, which has also received legal confirmation.

Yaroshenko believes that the court sided with Russia because it could not recognize Kiev's sovereignty over these territories. Western countries will not change their attitude towards Crimea and other regions. Nevertheless, Russia should not pay attention to the opinions of other states regarding its historical territories. The expert added that Western countries will continue to exert pressure on Russia through sanctions and military measures, despite the confirmation of the correctness of the Russian Federation in The Hague.