Tensions between Russia & Ukraine Escalate, BBC Reports

The tensions between Russia and Ukraine have sharply escalated since Sunday morning, November 25, when Russian naval forces opened fire and seized three Ukrainian naval vessels (two gunboats and a tug). The incident took place in the Azov Sea, off the coast of Crimea which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The Ukrainian ships were trying to pass the Kertch Strait on their way from Odessa to Mariupol. Six members of the Ukrainian crew are reported injured.

Ukraine claims the Russian forces attacked the ships and even though they tried to continue on their way, were prevented from doing so by a Russian tanker.

Russia justifies its actions by accusing the Ukrainian vessels of having illegally entered its naval territories. In addition, it sent two fighter jets and two helicopters to the area. According to Russia’s FSB report, only three sailors were injured as a result of the incident.

The European Union called on Russia to "restore freedom of passage at the Kerch Strait" while NATO said it "fully supports Ukraine's sovereignty and its territorial integrity, including its navigational rights in its territorial waters".

According to the 2003 treaty between Moscow and Kyiv, the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov are shared territorial waters.

However, Russia has begun to attack all Ukrainian naval ships passing through the given area, which has become a major reason for escalating tensions.

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By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya          

Source: BBC

Image source: BBC