On the night of November 26, Russia began to escalate the conflict in the Sea of Azov by initiating a clash between warships of both sides in the Kerch Strait.

Ukrainian Institute for the Future gathered experts’ opinions on what happened in the Azov region, what are the consequences for Ukraine and how events can develop further.

Glen Grant, the retired British colonel, the expert on national security and defence of UIF, believes that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and senior government officials should deploy diplomatic pressure on Russia in an organized and determined way.

According to Irakliy Jhanashiya, the expert on national security and defence of UIF, this is a good reminder for Russia and the international community about the forgotten issue of the occupation of Crimea, as well as violations of the 1982 UN Convention by the Russian side. This is also a good opportunity to sue Russia for damages, to charge the aggressor for piracy and even raise the question of returning Ukrainian vessels that were lost due to the occupation of the peninsula.