European Parliament resolution gives a very clear and undoubtedly harsh assessment that condemns the political and legal implications of Russia's actions in the basin of the Sea of Azov. First of all, this is very meaningful for Ukraine given the fact that it has recently filed a lawsuit at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and this will be an additional argument that strengthens our country's position. Second, it is extremely important that the Third Committee of the 73rd UN General Assembly will consider the issues of Crimea and the Sea of Azov. This is an additional argument that strengthens Ukraine's position. It is important for us that a resolution on Crimea is adopted, which will also cover demilitarisation of the area as a whole, including the Sea of Azov.

At the same time, it is also crucial that the European Parliament approves an Appeal to the governing bodies of the European Union instituting the Ombudsman position for Crimea and Donbas (i.e. for Ukraine). This is similar to the American option proposed by Volker, yet this approach also ensures that the EU will pay more attention to the situation connected with Ukraine.

The situation directly concerns economic interests of the EU states, as supplies from Ukrainian ports are being delayed, and European customers continue to incur major losses. Ukraine is also losing money — according to some estimates from UAH 500 mln to UAH 1 bn. These circumstances are taken in consideration by European MPs and will have significant consequences, — we are possibly talking about additional sanctions against Russia. On the one hand, this will cool down the supporters of lifting the sanctions against Russia, and on the other — will be an additional argument for Ukraine in the February PACE session, where the issue of restoring Russia as a participant in the meetings is on the agenda.

It is essential that we preserve a united sanctions front of the EU, USA Australia, Japan and other countries, which is a deterrent for Russia's aggressive policy against Ukraine, Europe and the world in general. So the European Parliament's step is also important in the wider geopolitical sense.