The EU ambassador to Russia announced an approach led by Ukrainian seamen

A spokesman for Brussels in Moscow addressed a ceremony to the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia. Brussels is waiting for the immediate release of 24 Ukrainian sailors captured during the Kerch Strait incident and "illegally detained" in the Russian Federation.

Marcus Ederer, Ambassador of the European Union to Russia, announced the official approach of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko. The meeting took place on Wednesday, January 30th. A spokeswoman for the EU said at the request of a DW correspondent.

"The Ambassador (Eder – Ed. ) recalled the well-known position of the EU regarding the continued illegal detention of Ukrainian servicemen by Russia", said the spokesperson.

It indicates that the European Union expects from Russia the immediate and unconditional release of 24 enthusiastic Ukrainian sailors, as well as respect for their rights to legal protection and unhindered access of their consular staff . In Brussels, they also expect that wounded sailors from Moscow will receive appropriate medical care. And the use of force by Russia on November 25 of last year was again described as "unacceptable".

Previously, the meeting had been reported by the Permanent Representation of the Russian Federation to the EU. In his statement, it was stated that "the situation in Ukraine in the context of the violation of the border of the Ukrainian Navy in the Kerch Strait area on November 25, 2018" had been discussed. In Moscow, the EU wants a "principled approach to gross violations of human rights, discrimination against national and linguistic minorities, as well as manifestations of neo-Nazism and of anti-Semitism in Ukraine ".

As you know, three Ukrainian military ships attempted to cross the Kerch Strait to the sea of ​​Azov. . Russia blocked them under the Kerch bridge, then attacked the ships and captured them, as well as 24 crew members. Today, Ukrainians are being held in Moscow. The Russian Federation accused them of "illegally crossing the border". Ukraine regards them as prisoners of war.

Source: Ukrainian DW Service

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