evidence: The Russian Federation’s violations of international law have led to a dangerous escalation of tensions at the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov, he said. The European Union notes the release of unlawfully detained Ukrainian seamen and the return to Ukraine of the three vessels seized a year ago in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait. The Union has repeatedly stressed that the Russian Federation needs to comply with the 25 May 2019 order of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea and return the seized vessels to Ukraine. It was deeply disturbed to read reports about the dismantled state in which the vessels were returned to their legitimate owners. The European Union condemns the construction of the Kerch Bridge without Ukraine’s consent, which is an additional violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Union expects the Russian Federation to ensure unhindered and free passage of all ships through the Kerch Strait to and from the Azov Sea, in accordance with international law.