G7 foreign ministers call on Russia to release Ukrainian sailors

The G7 foreign ministers call on Russia to release Ukrainian sailors, captured near the Kerch Strait, and adhere to the international law.
“We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union urge restraint, due respect for international law, and the prevention of any further escalation. We call on Russia to release the detained crew and vessels and refrain from impeding lawful passage through the Kerch Strait,” reads the G7 foreign ministers’ statement on recent events near Kerch Strait, released on the website of the Government of Canada.

The ministers also expressed their “utmost concern about Russia's actions against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait and surrounding waters, ‎which have dangerously raised tensions.”

“There is no justification for Russia’s use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel,” the G7 foreign ministers emphasized.

The statement also underscores the non-recognition of the annexation of Crimea by Russia. “We, the G7, once again reiterate that ‎we do not, and will never, recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and we reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.‎”

As reported, on November 25, Russian border ships committed the acts of aggression against three Ukrainian ships heading from the port of Odesa to the port of Mariupol. The Russian special forces fired and seized three Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait. There were 24 sailors aboard.