ODESSA, Aug. 29 - Ukraine will defend its economic interests in its relations with Romania, primarily the issue of sovereignty over Zmiyiny (Serpent) Island and the Bystroye channels in the Danube delta, Foreign Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk said.

He told the press in Odessa on Wednesday that Ukraine is looking forward to the ruling of the international court with regard to Zmiyiny, which is expected in 12-18 months.