Months of brewing tensions over the use of this sea underpin the latest flare-up in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Here’s a quick primer to the world’s latest marine flash point.

What is the Azov’s significance?

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The Azov is a lifeline for Ukraine’s industrial and agricultural east, connecting the country’s mines, fields and factories to the world. The Ukrainian port city of Mariupol and nearby Berdyansk on the sea’s western shore export regional production such as coal, metals, grain and fertilizer. Just 60 miles up the coast, the Russian port of Taganrog is a hub for trade through Russia’s southwest. The Azov is also an important fishing ground frequented by Russian and Ukrainian boats.

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Why have tensions risen?

Under a 2003 agreement, Ukraine and Russia took shared control of the Azov Sea and guaranteed each other’s ships open access to it via the Kerch Strait. But when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, it took over both sides of the Kerch Strait — and used that control to build a bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia. The bridge’s relatively low height limits the kinds of ships that are able to enter the Azov Sea — putting Ukraine’s ports there at a new disadvantage, as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty detailed in August. Citing terrorism threats against the Kerch Strait bridge, Russia has also stepped up security patrols and started detaining Ukrainian boats. Ukraine accuses Russia of militarizing the Azov Sea and harassing Ukrainian ships. Russia says it’s defending its sovereign territory and guarding the Kerch Strait bridge against legitimate threats.

What happened on Sunday?

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Tensions escalated rapidly on Sunday when Russia blocked Ukrainian navy ships from entering the strait and opened fire, injuring several Ukrainians and detaining 24 sailors. The United States called Russia’s actions a “dangerous escalation and a violation of international law.” Russia says the Ukrainian boats had illegally entered Russia’s territorial waters after ignoring the directions of the marine pilot who was supposed to guide the Ukrainian ships through the Kerch Strait.

What’s next?