Armed conflict paralyses shipping in Sea of Azov

摘要

Russia blocked Ukraine ports in the Sea of Azov, Eastern Europe, for at least 10 days beginning 4 December 2018, following a military standoff on the border. Russia seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crew on 25 November, accusing them of illegally entering its territorial waters. This prompted Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko to introduce martial law on part of the country claimed to be "most vulnerable to Russian attack", including Ukraine territorial waters in the Sea of Azov. The president called for 'Western' support and asked for a Nato presence to stop Russia blocking its ports.