evidence: Background [edit]The Kerch Strait runs between the coasts of Crimea and Russia's Taman Peninsula, connecting the Sea of Azov with the Black Sea. It is the sole access route for ships travelling to and from Ukraine's eastern port cities, most notably Mariupol. Ukraine and Russia agreed to the principle of freedom of movement through the strait and the Sea of Azov in 2003 following the Tuzla Island incident.[13] Russia annexed Crimea in 2014[26] (the annexation is not officially recognised by the United Nations)[29][30] and has since controlled the land on both sides of the strait.[11] Immediately following the annexation Russia announced the construction of the Crimean Bridge that would span the Kerch Strait.[31] The construction took place without Ukraine's consent and was criticised by Ukraine and other countries, which called it illegal.[32] During its construction and since completion, it was accompanied by frequent freedom of movement restrictions, which was regarded by Ukrainian and American governments as being used by Russia as part of a creeping hybrid blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Azov Sea to impede maritime transit and destabilize Ukraine.[33][34][35][36][37]