UNITED NATIONS, November 26. /TASS/. The United States is deeply concerned over the situation in the Sea of Azov and expresses its support to Ukraine, US’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Monday.
"We stay united in opposing Russia’s attempt to discuss yesterday’s serious escalation in the Kerch strait under an agenda item entitled ‘violation of the borders of the Russian Federation,’" she told an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, adding that the statement is made on behalf of the United States, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
"We strongly support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders," she said. "We express our deep concern over the incident, which represents a dangerous escalation and violation of international law."
Kerch Strait incident
In violation of the rules of passage via Russia’s territorial sea and the Kerch Strait, three warships of the Ukrainian Navy crossed Russia’s state border on November 25. The Russian side had to use weapons to compel the ships to stop. Three Ukrainian servicemen were lightly wounded. They received medical assistance. The ships were detained and escorted to the port of Kerch. A criminal case was initiated on border violation charges.
The Russian side described the incident as a provocation.
Meanwhile the Ukrainian authorities have come up with an initiative to declare martial law. The European Union and NATO, in turn, have called for de-escalation of the situation.