Russia deploys surveillance of the Kerch Strait, and the West breathes a sigh of relief.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on January 18 that Russia would allow German and French observers to be deployed to the Kerch Strait, the site of a conflict that began in late November 2018 between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia's decision to allow German and French experts to monitor the Kerch Strait, near the Crimean Peninsula, can be seen as a goodwill gesture aimed at de-escalating tensions with Ukraine in the region following the naval clash between the two countries in recent months.
While visiting Moscow, German Foreign Minister Heiki Maas immediately welcomed the decision and praised Russia's efforts to maintain normal maritime traffic in the strait separating Russian territory from the Crimean Peninsula.
Regarding the delay in deploying observers, Heiki Mat emphasized: “We want all parties involved in the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the Sea of Azov to contribute actively to de-escalation efforts. The use of all diplomatic means is necessary to prevent the outbreak of another conflict.”