The Ukrainian government assumes this may create favorable conditions to repel the Russian aggression in the area

Ukraine's military leadership intends to create a naval base in the Sea of Azov by the end of this year. This was mentioned on the Facebook page of the government portal.

'Two armored boats of the Ukrainian Navy were floated out in Berdyansk (Zaporizhya region, southern Ukraine, - 112 International). The plan is to create the naval base of the Navy of Ukraine's Armed Forces by the end of the year', reads the message.

The Ukrainian government assumes this may create favorable conditions to repel the Russian aggression in the area.

Over the past three months, Russia's activity in the Sea of Azov has increased significantly. The Russians do not allow commercial vessels going to and leaving Ukrainian ports to pass through the Kerch Strait without hindrance.

Related: Poroshenko states Russia wants to occupy Azov Sea as it occupied Crimea

In this regard, the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko instructed the Minister of Defense, the Chief of the General Staff and the Ukrainian Navy to take measures to stop Russian provocations with regard to blocking the entry of ships into Ukrainian ports in the Azov Sea. The Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine has developed a set of measures in response to Russia's actions. At the same time, it was reported that the package of measures includes, among other things, restrictions on passenger traffic with Russia.