Russia has closed one-quarter of the Black Sea for almost one month

Russia has closed one-quarter of the Black Sea for almost one month, reports Ukrainian Military Portal, a civilian defense news site. The five blocks – totaling 118,570 km² — will force cargo ships passing from Turkey’s Bosporus strait to Ukraine’s Black Sea ports to pass through a narrow shipping lane. Ukraine’s ferries from Chornomorsk to Turkey and to Georgia will have to take circuitous routes to reach their destinations. Through Aug. 19, ships will have to take detours to reach ports in Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania and the Sea of Azov.