Australia calls on Russia to release Ukrainian ships and sailors

Russia must release Ukrainian ships and sailors captured near the Kerch Strait and ensure unhindered access to Ukrainian ports.

"Australia is very concerned about the recent escalation in the Kerch Strait. We call on Russia to release Ukrainian ships and sailors, respect the lawful navigation rights and ensure unhindered access to Ukrainian ports," Permanent Representative of Australia to the OSCE Brendon Hammer said at the 25th OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Milan, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The representative of Australia also called on Russia to fulfill its obligations under the Minsk agreements and respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

In addition, he expressed Australia’s concern about Russian actions around the world, including MH17 crash, Salisbury poisoning and other subversive actions of the Russian military intelligence.

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