KYIV, Feb 10 - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is protesting against Russia's decision to block part of the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait under the pretext of conducting naval exercises, the ministry said in a statement.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressing its strong protest in connection with the decision of the Russian Federation to block part of the waters of the Black and Azov Seas and the Kerch Strait under the pretext of conducting naval exercises," the statement says.