German minister: Kerch Strait is now open for shipping – media

Photo from UNIAN

It is widely acknowledged that ships can pass through the Kerch Strait - a body of water shared between Russia and Ukraine - is now free, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Friday.

Read alsoPutin agrees to allow access of French, German experts to Kerch Strait area

"The Kerch Strait is currently free – that's what everyone involved says," Maas said during a visit to Moscow, as reported by Reuters.

Ukraine imposed martial law in November, citing the threat of a full-scale invasion after Russia captured three of its vessels in the Kerch Strait.