EU calls on Russia to free Ukrainian sailors and vessels – Dombrovskis

Vice-President of the European Commission Valdis Dombrovskis said this at a joint press conference with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko in Brussels today, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

“The EU strongly condemns Russia's aggressive actions in the Sea of Azov against Ukrainian navy vessels and their crews. We call on Russia to immediately release the illegally captured sailors and vessels,” he said.

The vice president also stressed that the EU called on Russia to ensure free passage through the Kerch Strait for all ships, including ships from the European Union, in accordance with international rules.

“We stand in solidarity with Ukraine. In the EU, we will continue to be on the side of Ukraine in order to end the conflict in Donbas, the illegal annexation of Crimea, and also to fulfill the aspirations of Ukrainian citizens,” Dombrovskis assured.

As reported, on November 25, Russian border ships committed aggressive actions against Ukrainian vessels that set sail from the port of Odesa to the port of Mariupol. Russian special forces fired on and captured three Ukrainian vessels and 24 sailors in the Kerch Strait.

On November 26, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a law approving the decree of the President of Ukraine on the imposition of the martial law for 30 days in 10 regions of Ukraine in connection with the aggression of Russia.

On December 12-13, President Petro Poroshenko pays a working visit to Brussels in the framework of the European Council session.

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