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{{Campaignbox Ukrainian crisis}}
{{Campaignbox Ukrainian crisis}}


An international incident occurred on 25 November 2018 when Russian [[Federal Security Service]] (FSB) [[Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation|border service]] [[Coast Guard (Russia)|coast guard boats]] fired upon and captured three&nbsp;[[Ukrainian Navy]] vessels that had attempted to pass from the [[Black Sea]] into the [[Sea of Azov]] through the [[Kerch Strait]] while on their way to the port of [[Mariupol]].<ref name=bbc /><ref name="Osborn-Polityuk">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-russia/russia-blocks-ukrainian-navy-from-entering-sea-of-azov-idUSKCN1NU0DL|title=Russia seizes Ukrainian ships near annexed Crimea after firing on them|first1=Andrew|last1=Osborn|first2=Pavel |last2=Polityuk|agency=Reuters|date=25 November 2018|accessdate=26 November 2018}}</ref> In 2014, Russia [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|invaded the nearby Crimean Peninsula]], which is internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory, and later constructed the [[Crimean Bridge]] across the strait. During the incident, the bridge was used as a barrier to prevent the Ukrainian ships from entering the Sea of Azov. While Russia accused the Ukrainian ships of illegally entering its [[territorial waters]], under [[Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Ukraine on cooperation in the use of the sea of Azov and the strait of Kerch|a 2003 treaty]], the [[Kerch Strait]] and the [[Sea of Azov]] are intended to be the shared territorial waters of both countries.<ref name=bbc /> According to Russia, its officers repeatedly asked the Ukrainian vessels to leave Russian territorial waters, saying that the vessels violated the formal procedure for passage through the strait;<ref name=fsb_report /> Ukraine denies this and said that it had given advance notice to the Russians that the vessels would be moving through the strait.<ref name="KIe1490c51b9"/> When the Ukrainian Navy refused to leave, Russian special forces fired on them and, following a chase, seized two Ukrainian gunboats and a tugboat off the coast of Crimea.<ref name=bbc /> Six Ukrainian crew members were injured in the clash, and twenty-four Ukrainian sailors from the captured ships were detained by Russia.<ref name=bbc /><ref name=bbc34/> The Ukrainian government labelled the incident a potential precursor to a Russian invasion, and declared [[Martial law in Ukraine|martial law]] along the border with Russia and in Black Sea coastal areas.<ref name="bbcmartiallaw"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/26/europe/ukraine-russia-kerch-strait-intl/index.html|title=Ukrainian lawmakers approve martial law as tensions with Russia escalate|first1=Nathan|last1=Hodge|first2=Josh |last2=Berlinger|publisher=CNN|date=26 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref> The incident took place a few days before the [[2018 G20 Buenos Aires summit]] and was mentioned by Western leaders, including the British Prime Minister when they spoke of sanctions against Russia.
An international incident occurred on 25 November 2018 when Russian [[Federal Security Service]] (FSB) [[Border Service of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation|border service]] [[Coast Guard (Russia)|coast guard boats]] fired upon and captured three&nbsp;[[Ukrainian Navy]] vessels that had attempted to pass from the [[Black Sea]] into the [[Sea of Azov]] through the [[Kerch Strait]] while on their way to the port of [[Mariupol]].<ref name=bbc /><ref name="Osborn-Polityuk">{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ukraine-crisis-russia/russia-blocks-ukrainian-navy-from-entering-sea-of-azov-idUSKCN1NU0DL|title=Russia seizes Ukrainian ships near annexed Crimea after firing on them|first1=Andrew|last1=Osborn|first2=Pavel |last2=Polityuk|agency=Reuters|date=25 November 2018|accessdate=26 November 2018}}</ref> In 2014, Russia [[Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation|invaded the nearby Crimean Peninsula]], which is internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory, and later constructed the [[Crimean Bridge]] across the strait. During the incident, the bridge was used as a barrier to prevent the Ukrainian ships from entering the Sea of Azov. While Russia accused the Ukrainian ships of illegally entering its [[territorial waters]], under [[Agreement between the Russian Federation and the Ukraine on cooperation in the use of the sea of Azov and the strait of Kerch|a 2003 treaty]], the [[Kerch Strait]] and the [[Sea of Azov]] are intended to be the shared territorial waters of both countries.<ref name=bbc /> According to Russia, its officers repeatedly asked the Ukrainian vessels to leave Russian territorial waters, saying that the vessels violated the formal procedure for passage through the strait;<ref name=fsb_report /> Ukraine denies this and said that it had given advance notice to the Russians that the vessels would be moving through the strait.<ref name="KIe1490c51b9"/> When the Ukrainian Navy refused to leave, Russian special forces fired on them and, following a chase, seized two Ukrainian gunboats and a tugboat off the coast of Crimea.<ref name=bbc /> Six Ukrainian crew members were injured in the clash, and twenty-four Ukrainian sailors from the captured ships were detained by Russia.<ref name=bbc /><ref name=bbc34/> The Ukrainian government labelled the incident a potential precursor to a Russian invasion, and declared [[Martial law in Ukraine|martial law]] along the border with Russia and in Black Sea coastal areas.<ref name="bbcmartiallaw"/><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/26/europe/ukraine-russia-kerch-strait-intl/index.html|title=Ukrainian lawmakers approve martial law as tensions with Russia escalate|first1=Nathan|last1=Hodge|first2=Josh |last2=Berlinger|publisher=CNN|date=26 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018}}</ref> The incident took place a few days before the [[2018 G20 Buenos Aires summit]] and was mentioned by Western leaders when they spoke of sanctions against Russia.


==Background==
==Background==

Revision as of 16:44, 30 November 2018

2018 Kerch Strait incident
Part of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine

Yany Kapu tugboat attacked by Don patrol boat as seen by Ukrainian Gyurza-M artillery boat
Date25 November 2018
Location
Kerch Strait
44°51′00″N 36°23′04″E / 44.85000°N 36.38444°E / 44.85000; 36.38444
Result Russian victory[citation needed]
  • Russian Border Guard captures three Ukrainian naval vessels.
  • Ukraine declared regional martial law for 30 days starting on 28 November 2018[1][2]
  • Russia closes the Kerch Strait for Ukrainian ships on 28 November 2018[3]
Belligerents
 Russia  Ukraine
Strength
10 ships:
Sobol patrol boats
PS Izumrud
PS Don
Aircraft:
2 Ka-52
2 Su-25
Su-30		 24 crew
2 Gyurza-M artillery boats Berdiansk and Nikopol
1 tugboat Yany Kapu
Casualties and losses
2 ships slightly damaged 24 crew captured[4] (3 of them injured), 3 ships captured (2 gunboats, 1 tugboat; two of the ships damaged, lost engines)[5][6][7][8]
Kerch Strait is located in Black Sea
Kerch Strait
Kerch Strait
class=notpageimage|
Location within Black Sea

An international incident occurred on 25 November 2018 when Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) border service coast guard boats fired upon and captured three Ukrainian Navy vessels that had attempted to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait while on their way to the port of Mariupol.[5][9] In 2014, Russia invaded the nearby Crimean Peninsula, which is internationally recognised as Ukrainian territory, and later constructed the Crimean Bridge across the strait. During the incident, the bridge was used as a barrier to prevent the Ukrainian ships from entering the Sea of Azov. While Russia accused the Ukrainian ships of illegally entering its territorial waters, under a 2003 treaty, the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov are intended to be the shared territorial waters of both countries.[5] According to Russia, its officers repeatedly asked the Ukrainian vessels to leave Russian territorial waters, saying that the vessels violated the formal procedure for passage through the strait;[10] Ukraine denies this and said that it had given advance notice to the Russians that the vessels would be moving through the strait.[11] When the Ukrainian Navy refused to leave, Russian special forces fired on them and, following a chase, seized two Ukrainian gunboats and a tugboat off the coast of Crimea.[5] Six Ukrainian crew members were injured in the clash, and twenty-four Ukrainian sailors from the captured ships were detained by Russia.[5][4] The Ukrainian government labelled the incident a potential precursor to a Russian invasion, and declared martial law along the border with Russia and in Black Sea coastal areas.[12][13] The incident took place a few days before the 2018 G20 Buenos Aires summit and was mentioned by Western leaders when they spoke of sanctions against Russia.

Background

Further information: Russian military intervention in Ukraine (2014–present) and Crimean Bridge

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.[14] The annexation is not officially recognized by the United Nations.[15][16]

The Kerch Strait connects the Sea of Azov with the Black Sea, and is formed by the coasts of the Russian Taman Peninsula and disputed Crimea. It is the point of access for ships travelling to and from Ukraine's eastern port cities, most notably Mariupol. While both Ukraine and Russia agreed to the principle of freedom of movement through the strait and the Sea of Azov in 2003,[17] Russia has controlled both sides of the strait since the Crimean annexation.[8] By May 2018, Russia had completed the construction of the Crimean Bridge, which is 19 kilometres (12 mi) long and spans the strait, providing a direct land connection between Crimea and Moscow.[18] The bridge's construction was criticised by Ukraine and many other countries, which called it illegal.[19] The Ukrainian and American governments have said that the bridge is being used by Russia as part of a creeping hybrid blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Azov Sea, and that Russian inspections of ships have risen sharply since the bridge opened in May 2018, with some being forced to wait between three and seven days before being allowed through.[20][21][22][23]

In late September 2018, two Ukrainian navy vessels successfully completely the journey from Odessa to Mariupol through the strait.[24] According to Ukrainian Navy Captain 1st rank Dmytro Kovalenko, they had passed the Crimean Bridge without officially requesting permission.[24] He also claimed that during their journey they had been followed by at least 13 Russian vessels and that Russian aircraft had flown dangerously low over them.[24]

Events

A Gyurza-M-class artillery boat BK-02 Berdyansk. One of the gun boats captured by the Federal Security Service

The incident began in the morning of 25 November, when the Ukrainian Template:Sclass-s Berdyansk [uk], Nikopol [uk], and tugboat Yany Kapu [uk] embarked from the Black Sea Port of Odessa in south-western Ukraine with the intent of reaching the Azov Sea port of Mariupol in eastern Ukraine.[5] As the ships approached the Kerch Strait, the Russian boats accused the Ukrainian ships of illegally entering Russian territorial waters, and ordered them to leave. When the Ukrainians refused, citing the 2003 Russo-Ukrainian treaty on freedom of navigation in the relevant area, Russian FSB border guard boats attempted the intercept them, and rammed Yany Kapu. The Ukrainian vessels continued toward the Crimean Bridge, but were prevented passage into the Sea of Azov by a large tanker positioned under the bridge, which blocked all passage through the strait.[5][25] Concurrently, Russia scrambled two fighter jets and two helicopters to patrol the strait. The Russian forces then fired on the Ukrainian boats, chased them as they tried to flee, and later captured them about 23 kilometres (14 mi) off the coast of Crimea.[5][26]

Following the incident, the Ukrainian Navy reported that six servicemen had been injured by the Russian actions.[5] Berdyansk was damaged in her bridge, either by a Sukhoi Su-30 fighter[27] or by 30 mm naval gunfire from the Russian gunboat Izumrud, according to the Russian version.[28] According to radio communication between the Russian leadership and border guard ships, two Russian ships were damaged[29]. One was damaged while ramming the Ukrainian tugboat Yany Kapu.[30][31][32] In addition, the Russian ship Don also collided with and damaged the Russian ship Izumrud.[33] In the aftermath of the incident, officials from both countries accused the other of provocative behaviour.[34] Ukraine decried the seizure of its ships as illegal.[35][5][36] In a statement, the Ukrainian Navy said, "After leaving the 12-mile zone, the Russian Federation's FSB opened fire at the flotilla belonging to... the armed forces of Ukraine".[9] Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko convened the National Security and Defence Council, describing the Russian actions as "unprovoked and crazy".[5]

Russia did not immediately or directly respond to the allegation, but Russian news agencies cited the Federal Security Service (FSB) as saying it had incontrovertible proof that Ukraine had orchestrated what it called a "provocation" and would publicise its evidence soon.[37] A report by the Russian FSB said that Ukraine had not followed the official procedure required for passage through the strait, namely that the port authority in Kerch should be informed 48 and 24 hours in advance of any movement, with an official confirmation 4 hours before the passage.[10] It also said the Ukrainian ships had been manoeuvring dangerously and intentionally ignored FSB instructions in order to stir up tensions. Russian politicians, including President Vladimir Putin, denounced the Ukrainian government, saying the incident was a calculated attempt by Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko to increase his popularity ahead of the Ukrainian presidential election next year.[11][38] The Ukrainian government rejected this, and said it had informed the Russians of the planned passage through the Kerch Strait in advance.[5][11] Ukrainian Navy spokesman Oleh Chalyk said that Yany Kapu had "established contact with a coast-guard outpost" operated by the FSB Border Service and "communicated its intention to sail through the Kerch Strait. The information was received [by Russian authorities] but no response was given".[39] According to Ukraine, contact was established at 03:58 on 25 November, "according to international rules of the sea navigation safety".[40] In late September 2018, two Ukrainian navy vessels successfully made the journey from Odessa to Mariupol not using current Russian official procedure, but also contact was established a few hours before the passage.[24]


On the morning of 26 November, photographs of the captured Ukrainian ships laid up in the Crimean port of Kerch were published. In the photos, Russian servicemen are seen attempting to camouflage the ships.[41] On that day, according to APK-Inform, Ukrainian commercial shipping returned to normal operation after the Kerch Strait was reopened to civilian traffic.[42][43]

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the state of health of the Ukrainian Naval Forces servicemen who were injured in the attack in the Kerch Strait is satisfactory. The injured Ukrainian sailors were being treated at Pirogov Kerch City Hospital No. 1.[44] Later more photographs were published showing significant damage inflicted to the Berdyansk gunboat, including a huge hole in the cockpit, where crewmembers steer the boat. According to Vasyl Hrytsak, the head of Ukraine’s security service, two unmanned missiles were fired by one of the Russian strike aircrafts.[45]

On 27 November, a Crimean court ordered that 12 of the 24 Ukrainian sailors be detained for 60 days.[4] The following day the 12 remaining Ukrainian sailors, including the three hospitalised, were also officially detained for 60 days by the Kievskyi Raion court of Simferopol.[46] On 29 November, Russian authorities stated that the three hospitalised sailors were discharged from hospital.[47]

On the evening of 28 November, Russia started blocking the passage of Ukrainian ships through the Kerch Strait according to Ukrainian infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan.[3]

Reactions

Ukraine

Martial law in Ukraine
Main article: Martial law in Ukraine

Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko convened the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine on 25 November.[48] He warned of an "extremely serious" threat of a Russian land invasion.[49]

Oleksandr Turchynov, Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, has reportedly said that the incident was an act of war by Russia.[50] He has also stated that active military preparations have been spotted along the border on the Russian side.[51] Subsequently, the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, in its decision of 26 November, stated[52] that the actions of the Russian Federation against the ships of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fall under paragraphs “c” and “d” of Art. 3 of Resolution 3314 (XXIX) “Definition of aggression”, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 14 December 1974, namely:

  • the blockade of the ports or coasts of a State by the armed forces of another State;
  • an attack by the armed forces of a State on the land, sea or air forces, or marine and air fleets of another State[53].

On 26 November 2018, a day after the incident, lawmakers in the Ukrainian Parliament overwhelmingly backed the imposition of martial law in the country's coastal regions, and those bordering Russia and unrecognised Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. A total of 276 members of parliament voted for the measure, which took effect on 28 November 2018,[54] and automatically expires in 30 days.[55] The initial recommendation was for a 60-day enforcement, though according to Poroshenko it was amended so not to affect the upcoming elections.[12]

On 28 November 2018, Ukrainian President Poroshenko said that the incident was provoked by Russia in order to force Ukraine to declare martial law and therefore to prevent Ukraine from receiving its tomos of autocephaly for Ukrainian Orthodox Church after the 2018 Moscow–Constantinople schism.[56][57]

Vice Admiral Ihor Voronchenko during a speech at the 2nd International Conference on Maritime Security in Kyiv on 29 November, "I am sure that the world community will nevertheless make a decision and recognize that aggression against the state of Ukraine was carried out. In this regard, as per the norms of the Montreux Convention, specifically item 19, we will request the closure of the Bosphorus Straight so Russia appreciates violating norms of international law."[58]

President Poroshenko during an interview told the German tabloid Bild that, "Germany is one of our closest allies and we hope that states within Nato are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security. We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. Germany, too, has to ask itself. What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?"[59] Poroshenko also told Bild "don't believe Putin's lies. Putin wants the old Russian empire back. He said, Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian Tsar, as he sees himself, his empire can not function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony."[60]

Russia

Russia's FSB blamed Ukraine for sparking the clashes, saying their "irrefutable" evidence "will soon be made public".[48]

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on the next day that Ukraine had violated international legal norms by failing to obtain authorization for its vessels.[61]

Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Pyotr Tolstoy warned on Facebook that "the Ukrainian puppet authorities are risking unleashing a large military conflict".[62]

Following the declaration of martial law in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern".[12] He later called the event "a provocation" and accused Ukraine's President of staging the incident in order to improve his popularity ahead of the 2019 elections.[38]

The head of the Russian Republic of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, said: "Today, Ukrainian warships illegally crossed Russia's border and blatantly violated norms of international law. I am sure Western patrons of the Kiev regime are behind this provocation – it doesn't look a mere coincidence that European and American politicians have been so concerned over the situation in the Sea of Azov in the recent months. Ukraine, as a country stripped of sovereignty and being under external governance, is an instrument for whipping up international tensions."[63]

According to the state-run RIA Novosti, Russia's military planned to send additional S-400 Triumf missile batteries to Crimea.[64]

United Nations

On 26 November, Russia called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).[65] The agenda of that UNSC session, "dedicated to the violation of Russia’s borders by Ukrainian military vessels," was dismissed by seven votes to four, with four abstentions. Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the UN, Dmitry Polyanski, said: "Nobody can prevent Russia as a permanent member of the Security Council to raise the issues that we deem important under the agenda they relate to."[66]

Ukraine also called for an emergency meeting of the UNSC over the "attack" of Russia.[67] This was confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley.[68][69]

Ambassador Haley said that Russia's actions were an "outrageous violation of sovereign Ukrainian territory," saying it was "another reckless Russian escalation" and that "in the name of international peace and security, Russia must immediately cease its unlawful conduct and respect the navigational rights and freedoms of all states."[70]

Dame Karen Pierce, Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations, condemned Russia's "deplorable use of military force... and contempt for the rules-based international system. These are not the actions of a responsible country," and stated also to the UNSC that the Russian Federation was responsible for the Salisbury novichok attack on 4 March 2018.[71]

Also during the meeting, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the United Nations Rosemary DiCarlo told the council: "We strongly urge both the Russian Federation and Ukraine to refrain from any ratcheting up of actions or rhetoric and remind both of the need to contain this incident so as to prevent a serious escalation that may have unforeseen consequences."[72]

Later on, Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed in a statement that he was "greatly concerned" about the incident and urges Russia and Ukraine to use "maximum restraint" and "to reduce tensions through all available peaceful means in accordance with the Charter of the UN".[73][74]

The UN General Assembly will consider a resolution on the militarization of the Sea of Azov in December.[75]

Other countries and organisations

  • Australia Australia: "Australia is concerned at developments in the Sea of Azov. We fully support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and call on Russia to restore navigation rights at the Kerch Strait," the Australian Embassy in Ukraine wrote on Twitter.[76]
  • Bolivia Bolivia: Bolivia supported the Russian United Nations Security Council agenda proposal that stated Ukraine had violated Russia’s sea borders.[77]
  • Canada Canada: "We call on Russia to de-escalate immediately, release the captured vessels and enable normal maritime traffic to resume" Canada’s Foreign Ministry wrote on Twitter.[78]
  • China China: The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman suggested that both sides "reach consensus and tackle disagreements through dialogue and consultations."[79] China also supported the Russian United Nations Security Council agenda proposal that stated Ukraine had violated Russia’s sea borders.[77]
  • Council of Europe Council of Europe: Commissioner for Human Rights Dunja Mijatovic said "I follow with concern the recent escalation of tensions in the Sea of Azov. It is urgent to de-escalate the situation and prevent any further deterioration. The persons detained in relation to these events should be treated in full compliance with international human rights standards applicable to their situation, notably receive adequate medical care," she said.[80]
  • European Union European Union: On 25 November, the EU called on Russia and Ukraine to "act with utmost restraint to de-escalate" the situation in the Black Sea.[81] The following day, the President of the European Council Donald Tusk said in a tweet on 26 November: "I condemn Russian use of force in Azov Sea." He added that "Russian authorities must return Ukrainian sailors, vessels and refrain from further provocations." President Tusk added; "Europe will stay united in support of Ukraine."[82]
    • Czech Republic Czech Republic: Minister of Foreign Affairs Tomáš Petříček said "One issue is cutting the number of cars registered by the Russian Embassy, which is very high. We can only guess what they are used for. We may hold a discussion in future on reducing the number of diplomats, but above all non-diplomatic staff at the Russian Embassy. The number should correspond to the size of the Czech Republic.”[83]
    • Denmark Denmark: Minister of Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen, said: "Denmark clearly and unambiguously supports Ukraine and we urge the Russians to halt their aggression. We must see to the de-escalation of the situation, and Russia has a big responsibility in doing so."[84]
    • Estonia Estonia: Prime Minister Jüri Ratas called an extraordinary meeting of the government's security committee to discuss the Russian action against Ukraine in the Black Sea and nearby areas and said that "what took place in the Kerch Strait is a serious violation of international law".[61] Foreign Minister Sven Mikser said on the day after that events off Crimea "a conscious act to escalate tension."[61]
    • France France: "Nothing appears to have justified the use of force by Russia," the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs said in a statement and added "We urge Russia to release the Ukrainian sailors and hand back the seized naval vessels as soon as possible."[85]
    • Germany Germany: Foreign Minister Heiko Maas posted on Twitter on Monday, where he urged both sides to de-escalate the conflict and that "developments in Ukraine are worrying."[86]
    • Hungary Hungary: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said this during a trip to Prague on the 30th, "the position of Hungary is completely clear, we are a pro-Ukraine government, so we stand behind Ukraine."[87]
    • Lithuania Lithuania: President Dalia Grybauskaite tweeted it was "another blatant violation of international law and Russia’s own commitments."[61]
    • Poland Poland: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "With full force we condemn Russia’s aggressive behavior and we call on (the country’s) leadership to respect international law."[88]
    • Romania Romania: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Romania "fully supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and its rights to use its territorial waters."[89]
    • Slovakia Slovakia: Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini wrote on Facebook, "This is not good news, and expressed a wish that the situation would calm down. Nobody wants an armed conflict and it is necessary to do everything on the diplomatic level to preserve peace in Europe," Pellegrini wrote.[90]
    • Spain Spain: Foreign Minister Josep Borrell said: "We have to stop the escalation and extension of the conflict to levels of intensity that would be dangerous."[61]
    • Sweden Sweden: The Swedish foreign minister Margot Wallström made a statement calling the incident a "deeply worrying escalation by Russia" and encouraged Russia to "cease with its provocative actions" and adhere to international law.[91]
    • United Kingdom United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt tweeted that the incident showed Russia's "contempt for international norms and Ukrainian sovereignty".[92] The Downing Street Press Secretary James Slack also said: "further evidence of Russia’s destabilizing behaviour in the region and its ongoing violation of Ukrainian territorial integrity. Russia must not be allowed to use force to exert greater pressure on Ukraine."[61] Prime Minister Theresa May said on the 29th that Britain would continue to push for “appropriate sanctions" and that "we have always been at the forefront in the EU of calling for sanctions on Russia in relation to its behavior", she added.[93]
  • Japan Japan: Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami said, “We hope that all the parties involved will exercise self-restraint and (that) the situation will calm down.”[94]
  • Kazakhstan Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan supported the Russian United Nations Security Council agenda proposal that stated Ukraine had violated Russia’s sea borders.[77]
  • Moldova Moldova: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration said regional security was being threatened by "acts of aggression and provocations" and reiterated its support "for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and its right to use international waters," adding it was "deeply concerned" about tensions around the Kerch Strait and the Azov Sea.[61]
  • Norway Norway: “Russian use of force against Ukrainian vessels is unacceptable, we urge Russia to free the vessels and their crews” Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Marie Eriksen Søreide said.[95]
  • Kuwait Kuwait: Kuwait opposed the Russian UNSC motion to condemn Ukraine as an aggressor.[77]
  • NATO NATO: Spokesperson Oana Lungescu said: "NATO is closely monitoring developments in the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait, and we are in contact with the Ukrainian authorities. We call for restraint and de-escalation."[96]
  • Turkey Turkey: "As a country sharing a Black Sea coast, we underline that passage through Kerch Strait should not be blocked," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.[97]
  • United States United States: President Donald Trump said: "Maybe I won’t have the meeting," meaning the planned meeting at the G20 with president of Russia Vladimir Putin. "Maybe I won’t even have the meeting," arguing: "I don’t like that aggression. I don’t want that aggression at all."[98]

Estimates and classification

On 26 November 2018, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine held a briefing, which classified the actions of the Russian Federation as an act of armed aggression in violation of a number of international norms, in particular:[99]

  • Part 1 of Article 36 of the UN Convention, which states that all straightaway[clarification needed] vessels referred to in Article 37 of the UN Convention shall enjoy the right of transit passage to which no interference shall occur.
  • Articles 32 and 95 of the United Nations Convention, under which warships enjoy immunity.
  • The Russian Federation has issued a Coast Guard warning (SEP) for closing the Kerch Strait entry area at the official web site (Cadiz, Spain) at 11.40 on 25 November 2018, that is, after the arrival of warships from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in the Kerch Strait.
  • Article 30 of the UN Convention, according to which a coastal country has the right to demand the immediate abandonment of territorial waters by a military ship of another state, but in no case shall not use weapons for the suffering without any reason.
  • Article 2 of the UN Charter, according to which disputes must be resolved peacefully, in order not to endanger international peace and security and justice, as well as the requirement to refrain from the use of force or threats against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.[99]

Order of battle

Russia

Russian Coast Guard
Ship Vessel Type Weapons Commander Casualties Notes
Killed Wounded Total
Suzdalets [ru][100] Template:Sclass2- unknown
0
0
0
Don Template:Sclass-[100] 2 × 30mm AK-230M or AK-306 Captain 2nd rank O. Salyaev
0
0
0
 slightly damaged
Izumrud Template:Sclass-[100] 1 x 30mm AK630M, 2 x 12.7mm MG, 8 Igla SAM Captain 3rd rank Andriy Shipitsyn
0
0
0
 slightly damaged
Vice-Admiral Zakharyin [ru] Template:Sclass2-[101] unknown
0
0
0
names unknown Template:Sclass-[100] unknown
0
0
0
 multiple vessels of this class were present
names unknown Template:Sclass-[100] 1 × 14.5 mm MTPU MG, 2 x Igla SAM, 1 x 30 mm grenade launcher unknown
0
0
0
 multiple vessels of this class were present
names unknown Template:Sclass- Shmel-class artillery boat [ru] unknown
0
0
0
 two unidentified ships of this class were present[101]
Total casualties: none reported

Ukraine

Ukrainian Navy
Ship Vessel Type Weapons Commander Casualties Notes
Killed Wounded Total
Berdyansk [uk] Template:Sclass- 2x 30mm autocannon, 2 x 30 mm grenade launchers, 4 x Barrier ATGM, 2 x 7.62mm MG, 9K38 Igla MANPADS Lt. (JG) Roman Mokryak
0
unknown
unknown
 damaged, captured
Nikopol [uk] Template:Sclass- 2 x 30mm autocannon, 2 x 30 mm grenade launchers, 4 x Barrier ATGM, 2 x 7.62mm MG, 9K38 Igla SAM Lt. Bohdan Nebylytsia
0
unknown
unknown
 captured
Yany Kapu [uk] Prometey-class tugboat [ru][100] 2 x 14.5mm MG[102] Starshina Oleh Melnychuk
0
unknown
unknown
 damaged, captured
Total casualties: 3 to 6 wounded, 24 captured

See also

References

  1. ^ "Poroshenko says martial law to be introduced in Ukraine at 9 a.m. on Nov 28". Interfax-Ukraine. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2018.
  2. ^ "Ukrainian parliament votes to impose martial law after Russia allegedly seized country's ships". Fox News. 26 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Россия заблокировала украинские порты на Азовском море. 35 судов в ожидании – Омелян" (in Russian). 28 November 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2018.
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