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German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Monday called "unacceptable" the blockade imposed by Russia on access to the sea of Azov and called for appeasement tensions with Ukraine following a weekend outbreak.
"The evolution is worrisome," he tweeted.
"A Russian blockade of the Azov sea pbadage is unacceptable It is important that the blockade be lifted We call on both sides for de-escalation."
Tension rises in the Kerch Strait, where Russia built a new bridge allowing it to connect to the Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014.
On Sunday, Russia embarked and seized three Ukrainian ships in the strait. off the Crimea, accusing them of illegally entering the Russian waters of the Azov Sea.
Ukraine has demanded the release of its sailors and tougher sanctions against Moscow.
German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said Berlin would follow the news "a great concern" and called for "restraint" in order to avoid further escalation.
"We will closely monitor the situation," he told reporters, adding that the German government was in contact with Kiev and Moscow.
"As you know the German government supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, which includes the Kerch Strait – free access to the sea of Azov must be guaranteed. "
Seibert described the construction of the bridge crossing the Kerch Strait as a "violation of international law because Ukraine was not included" and urged Russia to release Ukrainian vessels and seamen.
He baderted that the use of military force by Russia was "unjustified on the basis of the facts we have seen so far" and called "the two parties to resume the dialogue swiftly".
The confrontation at sea caused fears of a wider military escalation and the UN Security Council was to hold an emergency session later on Monday
Berlin held Tuesday a meeting of top diplomats rank of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, provided under the name of Normandy format
(this story has not been reviewed by Business Standard staff.) and is generated automatically from a syndicated feed.)
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