Herashchenko calls for introduction of ‘Azov package’ of sanctions against Russia

The Ukrainian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe called on European partners to strengthen sanctions against Russia over aggression in the Sea of Azov.

Iryna Herashchenko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, stated this on Thursday during a debate under urgent procedure on the escalations of tensions around the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait and threats to the European security, own Ukrinform correspondent in Strasbourg reports.

"Ukraine calls on colleagues from the Assembly to visit Mariupol and see the life of this front-line city. Ukraine calls on European partners to put more pressure on the Kremlin through sanctions and to introduce a new Azov package of sanctions,” Herashchenko stated.

She also informed the Assembly that Russia is grossly violating the international law and the rights of Ukrainian captured sailors.

As reported, on November 25, 2018, Russian border ships fired on and seized in the Kerch Strait three Ukrainian vessels that were moving from the port of Odesa to the port of Mariupol. A total of 24 Ukrainian sailors were captured.

Russian-controlled "courts" in occupied Crimea arrested all sailors for two months, and they were taken to Moscow.

On January 15 and 16, Moscow's Lefortovo Court extended the arrest of the captured sailors for three months. They all stated that they are prisoners of war.