Russia must compensate for the damages caused to Ukraine by the construction of the Kerch Bridge - expert.

Ukraine has stated in the International Arbitration Court in The Hague about the need to dismantle the illegal structure - the Kerch Bridge. The court is considering the case concerning Ukraine's rights as a coastal state in the Black and Azov Seas and in the Kerch Strait.

Reserve Captain of the 1st Rank, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ukrainian Navy, Andriy Ryzhenko, stated that Ukraine has the legitimate right to demand the dismantling of the Kerch Bridge. This structure was built illegally and limited the capabilities of Ukraine's economy in the Azov region. With competent work of lawyers and economists, it is possible to calculate the amounts of damages and file a lawsuit against Russia. Ryzhenko also noted that dismantling the bridge may be challenging, but the international community has tools that can force Russia to take this step.

Russia uses the Convention on the Law of the Sea to expand its maritime economic zone in the Arctic Ocean for mineral extraction. In case Russia refuses to fulfill its obligations related to Crimea, the Black and Azov Seas, and the Kerch Bridge, the international community may use this issue as pressure on the Russian Federation. This issue should be considered responsibly.