The treaty, signed in Kerch on December 24, 2003, lays the foundation for subsequent development of mutually acceptable documents on all the aspects of the legal status of the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait and joint activities of Russia and Ukraine in the area.
The treaty seals some provisions that are critical for Russia. It confirms the historical status of the area as the inland waters of the two states, bans the entry of naval vessels of third countries into the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait without the consent of both Russia and Ukraine, recognises the need to preserve the area as an integral economic and natural complex used in the interests of Russia and Ukraine, assures freedom of navigation in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait for merchant and naval vessels of the two states.