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Kerch Strait incident meant to postpone Ukrainian elections, says Russian MP

On November 25, three Ukrainian warships illegally encroached on Russia’s state border in the Black Sea

MOSCOW, November 26. /TASS/. Ukrainian President Pyotr Poroshenko organized the incident in the Kerch Strait on purpose in order to postpone the 2019 presidential elections, Russian State Duma (lower house of parliament) Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin told reporters on Monday, commenting upon Poroshenko’s intention to declare martial law on the Ukrainian territory.

"Essentially, the basis is laid for the postponement of the 2019 presidential elections and the restriction of the citizen’s voting rights. That’s exactly why Poroshenko organized the provocation in the Kerch Strait," the speaker said. "Unfortunately, the Ukrainian citizens have become hostages of the gamble of their country’s government, the purpose of which is to retain personal power by any means necessary," he stressed.

In this context, Volodin reminded that Poroshenko had signed a decree that declares martial law on the country’s territory. "The Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament - TASS) is currently discussing it and may approve it as a law," he noted.

According to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), on Sunday morning, three ships from the Ukrainian Navy - the Berdyansk, the Nikopol and the Yany Kapu - illegally crossed Russia’s border. They ignored legitimate demands to stop issued by vessels belonging to the FSB Border Service and the Black Sea Fleet and continued to perform dangerous maneuvers. In order to stop the Ukrainian ships, the Russian forces had to use weapons and detain the three vessels. Three Ukrainian military servicemen suffered light wounds and were provided with medical assistance.

A criminal investigation has been opened into the border incident. The FSB said that evidence proving Kiev’s plans to carry out a provocation in the Black Sea would soon be made public.