NATO calls on Russia to release Ukraine's seized vessels

NATO leader Jens Stoltenberg on Monday urged Russia to release Ukrainian ships and sailors arrested after clashes off Crimea, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences".

Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering the waters of the Azov Sea, causing the escalation of tension, which raises fears of further escalation.

Stoltenberg had telephone conversations with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko before officials from both sides held emergency talks at the Alliance 's headquarters in Brussels.

"Nothing justifies the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel, so we call on Russia to immediately release the Ukrainian seamen and the ships seized yesterday," Stoltenberg told reporters at the press. from the meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission.

"And we call for calm and restraint."

Kiev accused Russia of launching "a new phase of aggression" annexing the Crimea of ​​Ukraine in 2014.

The Ukrainian army has been put on alert and Parliament must vote on a petition for Poroshenko to impose martial law for 60 days.

Ukraine has also urged its Western allies to step up existing sanctions against Russia over Crimea and its role in the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine between the government and pro-separatists. Moscow.

Stoltenberg said the 29 allies of NATO have reiterated their support for Ukraine's sovereignty, saying that they would never recognize Russia's claim to Crimea.

"Russia needs to understand that its actions have consequences – that's why NATO has reacted so firmly against Russia's actions against Ukraine for several years," said the spokesman. Former Prime Minister of Norway, without specifying the possible consequences but evoking economic sanctions. imposed by the West on Russia.

Stoltenberg said that Poroshenko badured him that the proposed martial law would not interfere with the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for March 31.

Moscow accused Kiev of this incident, prompting a sharp reaction on Twitter from the US special envoy for negotiations on Ukraine, Kurt Volker.

"Russia borrows a Ukrainian ship peacefully heading for a Ukrainian port, Russia seizes ships and crew, then accuses Ukraine of provocation ???" Volker tweeted.

Tensions are growing around the Kerch Strait, where Russia has built a new bridge to connect with Crimea.

Kiev has accused Moscow of blocking the access of Ukrainian ships by the strait, the only way to get in and out of the sea from Azov to the Black Sea.