BERLIN, Nov 26, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on
Monday called a Russian blockade of access to the Sea of Azov “unacceptable”
and urged an easing of tensions with Ukraine following a weekend flare-up.
“The developments are troubling,” he tweeted. “A Russian blockade of the
passage to the Sea of Azov is unacceptable. It is important that the blockade
be lifted. We call on both sides to deescalate.”
Tensions have been building over the Kerch Strait, where Russia has built a
new bridge that gives it a land connection to Crimea, which Moscow annexed in
2014.
On Sunday, Russia boarded and seized three Ukrainian ships in the strait
off Crimea, accusing them of illegally entering Russian waters in the Sea of
Azov.
Ukraine has demanded the release of its sailors and more sanctions against
Moscow.
German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said later that Berlin was
following the reports with “great concern” and called for “restraint” to
prevent further escalation.
“We will closely monitor developments,” he told reporters, adding that the
German government was in contact with Kiev and Moscow.
“As you know the German government supports the sovereignty and the
territorial integrity of Ukraine, which includes the Kerch Strait — free
access to the Sea of Azov must be ensured.”
Seibert called the building of the bridge over the Kerch Strait a
“violation of international law because Ukraine was not included” and urged
Russia to release Ukraine’s ships and sailors.
He said the use of military force by Russia was “unjustified based on the
facts we have seen to date” and called “both sides to quickly resume
dialogue”.
The confrontation at sea has raised fears of a wider military escalation
and the UN Security Council was to hold an emergency session later Monday to
consider a response.
Berlin on Tuesday was hosting a previously scheduled meeting of high-
ranking diplomats from Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany known as the
Normandy format.