Russia reopened the Kerch Strait to civilian shipping on Monday,

Russia reopened the Kerch Strait to civilian shipping on Monday, Ukraine’s Sea Ports Administration reported. As of Monday morning, 30 freighters were waiting to pass through the strait – half going to Ukraine’s two major Sea of Azov ports – Mariupol and Berdyansk – and half coming from the ports. By treaty, the strait is a binational channel. But after the opening of the bridge over strait last May, Russia has asserted de facto control, detaining freighters for ‘inspections’ and, on Sunday, attacking and seizing three Ukrainian Navy boats.