Russian Ships Banned from Entering Ukrainian Ports

The Law “On Inland Water Transport” came into force in Ukraine. The document prohibits access to Ukraine’s inland waters for cargo ships of the aggressor country, according to the press service of the Verkhovna Rada.

“Access to Ukraine’s inland waterways is prohibited to vessels sailing under the flag of the aggressor state; vessels belonging to the citizens of the aggressor state or economic entities registered in the territory of the aggressor state, or individuals and legal entities subject to special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions) in accordance with the Law of Ukraine “On Sanctions”,” the legislation reads.

In particular, such vessels cannot carry passengers and cargo. The registration of these vessels in the Shipping Register of Ukraine is prohibited.

In addition, the law simplifies the procedure for foreign vessels to enter Ukrainian ports.

According to the document, the inland waters of Ukraine include such rivers as the Dnieper, Danube and Dniester.

The law was passed by parliament in December 2020, but came into force this year.

Bohdan Marusyak