The €3.15-billion, 19-kilometre bridge built by Russia across the Kerch Strait after it annexed Crimea in 2014 is meant to enable the Kremlin to control Ukraine's Sea of Azov, Kyiv's legal representatives said in front of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

"Our support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence is unwavering," the Turkish president said.

The Turkish President emphasizes unwavering support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, citing international law in calling for Crimea's return

Ukraine accused Russia at an international court on Monday of flouting sea law by trying to keep the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and annexed Crimea under its sole control. Kyiv began proceedings at the Hague-based intergovernmental Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 after Moscow began building the 19 km (12 mile) Crimea Bridge link to the peninsula it seized from Ukraine two years previously.

The case centers on Russia's violations of key maritime laws, including transit rights, freedom of navigation, and obligations to protect the underwater environment and cultural heritage. Anton Korynevich,