RUSSIA has withdrawn restrictions for ships in the Sea of Azov linked to naval drills in the area, reports Reuters.

"The movement of ships by recommended routes to the seaports of Ukraine in the Sea of Azov is open," said the Authority in a report.

Ukraine carries exports through ports on the Black and Azov Seas, including Odessa, Pivdeny, Chornomorsk, Kherson, Mariupol and Berdyansk.

Ukrainian officials have criticised Russian drills near Ukraine's coast, claiming the presence of warships was part of a hybrid war that made navigation in the Black Sea and Azov Sea virtually impossible.