Ukraine demanded the release of its sailors and more sanctions against Moscow on Monday after the Russian navy fired on and seized three Ukrainian ships off the coast of Crimea. Ukraine said a Russian border guard vessel rammed the tugboat and then fired on the ships, immobilizing all three. It said the Kerch Strait was blocked by a tanker and that Russian military aircraft were flying over the area. – ‘Significant escalation’ –“The incident marks a significant escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” research firm Eurasia Group said. “Western governments will side with Ukraine against Russia over the incident… making new sanctions against Russia likely.”The United States and Europe have imposed several rounds of sanctions against Moscow for its actions relating to Ukraine.

Source: Egypt Independent November 26, 2018 12:22 UTC