Will Azov Become Internal Sea of Russia and Ukraine?

Moscow is convinced that mutual understanding and confidence established at the negotiations on the Russian-Ukrainian national border will make it possible to determine the status of the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait as Russia and Ukraine's territorial waters in mutual interests.

The Russian Foreign Ministry's official spokesman, Alexander Yakovenko, made this statement in the context of the national border agreement signed by Russia and Ukraine.

"The signing of this document is a crucial step for the development of Russian-Ukrainian relations," the diplomat stated.

When speaking about this agreement Russia's President Vladimir Putin stressed that "Russia has made this step to eliminate all doubts in its intention to build relations with Ukraine on an equitable basis as a strategic partner for a long term", Yakovenko recalled.

"Moscow is convinced that the agreement's coming into force along with the settlement of all remaining issues will help strengthen comprehensive co-operation and many-sided contacts between the two sisterly nations," Alexander Yakovenko stressed.