KYIV, May 13 - The European Business Association (EBA) called on the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and the Foreign Minister to initiate a country's appeal to the UN regarding the possibility of creating a special forbidden zone in order to counter the blocking of Ukrainian trade by Russia.

The EBA pointed out in a press release that such a zone would not be subject to the sovereignty of Ukraine or the Russian Federation and, if approved, this zone could provide for a temporary ban on the use of airspace and the suspension of navigation, in addition to separately defined routes and sea lanes, until a complete cessation of the war with Russia.

To create such a zone, the UN Security Council could provide for the involvement of air, sea or land forces of the UN member states," the association believes.

The EBA considers the issue of resuming navigation through the seaports of Ukraine urgent. This would allow unblocking the export process and gradually restoring the country's economy.

So, for the export of products on ships that have been blocked in Ukrainian ports since February 24, humanitarian corridors are needed," the association said.

About 85 foreign vessels need to be removed from the Ukrainian ports of the Black and Azov Seas, according to EBA. (om/ez)