In the last three years with the humdrum of events in the Middle East, the European immigration crisis and a host of other competing geopolitical issues, somehow the crisis in Ukraine, which came into being in 2014, and its potential implications for European security bypassed most international concerns. It has come back into the reckoning with the recent Russian seizure of three Ukrainian ships sailing to the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait. Under a 2003 treaty between Moscow and Kiev, the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov are shared territorial waters but Ukraine claimed their ships were fired upon and prevented access they legitimately sought; six sailors were injured too. The Russians have been playing a game of denial while preventing freedom of navigation to Ukraine to access its eastern region by sea. This region is home to two important ports, Berdyansk and Mariupol, from which major Ukraine export and import trade is carried out. There is more to it considering that this is the region close to the area where the minority ethnic Russian separatists are preventing domination of the Ukrainian majority and thus Western control.

Very few are aware today that one of the sharpest hybrid conflicts is currently prevailing in Ukraine and is alleged to be sponsored by Russia; the European Union and NATO believe that it has Russia’s stamp all over it as a part of the resurgence in Russian concern about its security of the western flank. It’s a complex issue which had all the likelihood of blowing into a much larger crisis; yet it has festered with international attention far too focused on other areas of concern. That concern is returning; so it is important to know how this began four years ago and what the larger strategic implications are.

When Ukraine separated from the erstwhile USSR in 1991, both Russia and Europe wished to incorporate Ukraine into their respective transnational strategies due to its unique geostrategic location almost akin to Turkey, as a bridge between Europe and the Caucasus. Incorporation within the European structure would mean an aggressive march of the Western alliance towards the Russian ‘near abroad’ region; something that was progressively happening with assimilation of former Warsaw Pact countries.

However, Russia had additional stakes here. About 17 per cent of Ukraine’s population or 8.5 million is ethnic Russian and wishes to retain its Russian linkage for mutual security. Independent Ukraine has rested on a fragile social consensus of a population holding onto an ever fading promise that prosperity would come from leaving the Soviet Union and joining the West. Yet Ukraine is poorer than it was in the last year when it left the Soviet Union.

There have been uprisings in 1994, 2001 and 2004 (Orange Revolution) but the increasingly massive protests failed each time to fundamentally change things.&nbsp;

These protests, termed the Maidan Revolution, have traditionally commenced from Kiev’s central square called the Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Ukraine remained divided between becoming Euro or Russia centric, even as the bigger states of the EU rejected attempts to admit it to the elite Euro club.

The Euro-Maidan revolution of 2014, which saw protests against the democratically elected and Russian supported President Viktor Yanukovych, was what the Russian leadership feared the most. A potential easing away of the controls over political and economic strings which tied the nations in the region to Russia’s interests. Russia’s principal motive in seizing Crimea and backing the separatist movement in the east was not to gain territory, but above all to suppress the Euro-Maidan and to restore Russia’s influence over the government in Kiev that Yanukovych had previously guaranteed. The Maidan threatened Russia’s interests not only in Ukraine: it showed that oligarchic-capitalist states in the region could be overthrown by a sustained popular uprising.

Russia aimed to prevent Ukraine’s further incorporation into the Atlantic alliance through an association agreement or a free trade regime with the EU or a path to NATO membership. It was alarmed at the economic consequences for itself of an EU-Ukraine free trade regime and at the possibility that this might become a back door for Ukraine to get into NATO. Through the last four years, Russia has pursued hybrid conflict below the threshold; that threshold may be crossed with it naval actions against the Ukraine Navy; the latter has threatened to pursue its right to sail into the Sea of Azov.

While economic sanctions by the US-led Western alliance were placed early and continue, there are three reasons for the continuing crisis. These are: The unrelenting revival of Russian imperialism since 2000, the divisions in the Western alliance over policy towards Russia, and the diminished capacity of the USA to project its own power into the region. The US also worries about the potentially enhancing German power over the region if given a free hand but is incapable of doing much on its own. In the meanwhile, the oligarchs who run Ukraine are unable to revamp its economy unless the country steps towards either of the competing camps.

Given the recent instability in France and Belgium and the expected spread of instability to other parts of Europe, Ukraine remains one other area of major concern in the European security matrix unless the Western alliance and Russia can come to some terms of agreement for joint control without decided advantage to either. The question is will the people of Ukraine allow joint control or attempt to take things in their hands, leading to yet another round of instability.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-the-forgotten-ukraine-crisis-2698789">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

In the last three years with the humdrum of events in the Middle East, the European immigration crisis and a host of other competing geopolitical issues, somehow the crisis in Ukraine, which came into being in 2014, and its potential implications for European security bypassed most international concerns.

In the last three years with the humdrum of events in the Middle East, the European immigration crisis and a host of other competing geopolitical issues, somehow the crisis in Ukraine, which came into being in 2014, and its potential implications for European security bypassed most international concerns. It has come back into the reckoning with the recent Russian seizure of three Ukrainian ships sailing to the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea through the Kerch Strait. Under a 2003 treaty between Moscow and Kiev, the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov are shared territorial waters but Ukraine claimed their ships were fired upon and prevented access they legitimately sought; six sailors were injured too. The Russians have been playing a game of denial while preventing freedom of navigation to Ukraine to access its eastern region by sea. This region is home to two important ports, Berdyansk and Mariupol, from which major Ukraine export and import trade is carried out. There is more to it considering that this is the region close to the area where the minority ethnic Russian separatists are preventing domination of the Ukrainian majority and thus Western control. Very few are aware today that one of the sharpest hybrid conflicts is currently prevailing in Ukraine and is alleged to be sponsored by Russia; the European Union and NATO believe that it has Russia’s stamp all over it as a part of the resurgence in Russian concern about its security of the western flank. It’s a complex issue which had all the likelihood of blowing into a much larger crisis; yet it has festered with international attention far too focused on other areas of concern. That concern is returning; so it is important to know how this began four years ago and what the larger strategic implications are. When Ukraine separated from the erstwhile USSR in 1991, both Russia and Europe wished to incorporate Ukraine into their respective transnational strategies due to its unique geostrategic location almost akin to Turkey, as a bridge between Europe and the Caucasus. Incorporation within the European structure would mean an aggressive march of the Western alliance towards the Russian ‘near abroad’ region; something that was progressively happening with assimilation of former Warsaw Pact countries. However, Russia had additional stakes here. About 17 per cent of Ukraine’s population or 8.5 million is ethnic Russian and wishes to retain its Russian linkage for mutual security. Independent Ukraine has rested on a fragile social consensus of a population holding onto an ever fading promise that prosperity would come from leaving the Soviet Union and joining the West. Yet Ukraine is poorer than it was in the last year when it left the Soviet Union. There have been uprisings in 1994, 2001 and 2004 (Orange Revolution) but the increasingly massive protests failed each time to fundamentally change things. These protests, termed the Maidan Revolution, have traditionally commenced from Kiev’s central square called the Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Ukraine remained divided between becoming Euro or Russia centric, even as the bigger states of the EU rejected attempts to admit it to the elite Euro club. The Euro-Maidan revolution of 2014, which saw protests against the democratically elected and Russian supported President Viktor Yanukovych, was what the Russian leadership feared the most. A potential easing away of the controls over political and economic strings which tied the nations in the region to Russia’s interests. Russia’s principal motive in seizing Crimea and backing the separatist movement in the east was not to gain territory, but above all to suppress the Euro-Maidan and to restore Russia’s influence over the government in Kiev that Yanukovych had previously guaranteed. The Maidan threatened Russia’s interests not only in Ukraine: it showed that oligarchic-capitalist states in the region could be overthrown by a sustained popular uprising. Russia aimed to prevent Ukraine’s further incorporation into the Atlantic alliance through an association agreement or a free trade regime with the EU or a path to NATO membership. It was alarmed at the economic consequences for itself of an EU-Ukraine free trade regime and at the possibility that this might become a back door for Ukraine to get into NATO. Through the last four years, Russia has pursued hybrid conflict below the threshold; that threshold may be crossed with it naval actions against the Ukraine Navy; the latter has threatened to pursue its right to sail into the Sea of Azov. While economic sanctions by the US-led Western alliance were placed early and continue, there are three reasons for the continuing crisis. These are: The unrelenting revival of Russian imperialism since 2000, the divisions in the Western alliance over policy towards Russia, and the diminished capacity of the USA to project its own power into the region. The US also worries about the potentially enhancing German power over the region if given a free hand but is incapable of doing much on its own. In the meanwhile, the oligarchs who run Ukraine are unable to revamp its economy unless the country steps towards either of the competing camps. Given the recent instability in France and Belgium and the expected spread of instability to other parts of Europe, Ukraine remains one other area of major concern in the European security matrix unless the Western alliance and Russia can come to some terms of agreement for joint control without decided advantage to either. The question is will the people of Ukraine allow joint control or attempt to take things in their hands, leading to yet another round of instability. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The forgotten Ukraine crisis

Ukrainian MPs scuffle in parliament

A&nbsp;brawl erupted between members of Ukrainian parliament on Thursday&nbsp;over a poster placed on the tribune.

Parliament member Nestor Shufrych from the Opposition Bloc Party tore off a poster depicting Ukrainian oligarch and politician Viktor Medvedchuk and naming him '(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's agent'.

This triggered a brawl in which a member of parliament from People's Front party Yuriy Bereza punched Shufrych in the face.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his annual news conference that he held a meeting with Medvedchuk lately to discuss the possible release of Ukrainian sailors seized by Russian after an incident in the Kerch Strait.

A brawl erupted between members of Ukrainian parliament on Thursday over a poster placed on the tribune. Parliament member Nestor Shufrych from the Opposition Bloc Party tore off a poster depicting Ukrainian oligarch and politician Viktor Medvedchuk and naming him '(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's agent'.

A brawl erupted between members of Ukrainian parliament on Thursday over a poster placed on the tribune. Parliament member Nestor Shufrych from the Opposition Bloc Party tore off a poster depicting Ukrainian oligarch and politician Viktor Medvedchuk and naming him '(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's agent'. This triggered a brawl in which a member of parliament from People's Front party Yuriy Bereza punched Shufrych in the face. Russian President Vladimir Putin said during his annual news conference that he held a meeting with Medvedchuk lately to discuss the possible release of Ukrainian sailors seized by Russian after an incident in the Kerch Strait.

Watch: Ukrainian MPs scuffle in parliament over putin's agent poster

Russia retains a heightened military presence on Ukraine's border, having pulled back "less than 10 per cent" of its forces since tensions between the countries peaked in November, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-president-names-leader-of-new-church-in-split-from-russia-184350">Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko</a> said.

"The biggest part (of troops) is still there, less than 10 per cent have been withdrawn," Poroshenko told a press conference.

After a maritime conflict with Moscow in the Black Sea in late November, Poroshenko accused Russia of having sharply raised its military presence on the border, with Ukraine warning of the threat of "full-scale war."

In response, Kiev imposed martial law for 30 days in 10 regions that border Russia, the latest page of the unprecedented crisis in relations between the two neighbours.

"The threat of an invasion of Russian armed forces on Ukrainian territory still exists and we must be prepared for it," Poroshenko said, adding he sees no reason for the snap lifting of martial law.

On November 25, Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and detained 24 crew members in the most dangerous incident in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

In 2014, Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine. That move was followed by a deadly conflict in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed separatists.

Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border, but Moscow has denied the claims despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.&nbsp;

Russia retains a heightened military presence on Ukraine's border, having pulled back "less than 10 per cent" of its forces since tensions between the countries peaked in November, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.

Russia retains a heightened military presence on Ukraine's border, having pulled back "less than 10 per cent" of its forces since tensions between the countries peaked in November, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said. "The biggest part (of troops) is still there, less than 10 per cent have been withdrawn," Poroshenko told a press conference. After a maritime conflict with Moscow in the Black Sea in late November, Poroshenko accused Russia of having sharply raised its military presence on the border, with Ukraine warning of the threat of "full-scale war." In response, Kiev imposed martial law for 30 days in 10 regions that border Russia, the latest page of the unprecedented crisis in relations between the two neighbours. "The threat of an invasion of Russian armed forces on Ukrainian territory still exists and we must be prepared for it," Poroshenko said, adding he sees no reason for the snap lifting of martial law. On November 25, Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and detained 24 crew members in the most dangerous incident in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours. In 2014, Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine. That move was followed by a deadly conflict in eastern Ukraine between government forces and Russian-backed separatists. Ukraine and its Western allies have accused Russia of funnelling troops and arms across the border, but Moscow has denied the claims despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

Russia retains heightened military border presence: Ukraine President Poroshenko

Ukraine chose the leader of a new national church on Saturday, marking a historic split from Russia which its leaders see as vital to the country's security and independence.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Metropolitan Epifaniy, of the Kiev Patriarchate church, had been chosen as head of the new church.

"This day will go into history as a sacred day ... the day of the final independence from Russia," Poroshenko told thousands of supporters, who shouted, "glory, glory, glory".

Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's seizure of Crimea in 2014. Ukraine imposed martial law in November, citing the threat of a full-scale invasion after Russia captured three of its vessels in the Kerch Strait.

The Ukrainian Orthodox church has been beholden to Moscow for hundreds of years, and Ukraine's leaders see church independence as vital to tackling Russian meddling.

Kiev says Moscow-backed churches on its soil are a Kremlin tool to spread propaganda and support fighters in the Donbass region in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people.

The churches strongly deny this.

The leader of the new church was chosen by a council that met at the St Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, built by the son of Prince Volodymyr whose baptism in 988 led to the spread of Christianity in the region.

"The question of autocephaly is a question of Ukrainian national security," Poroshenko had told the council earlier.

"This is a question of Ukrainian statehood. We acquire spiritual independence, which can be compared to the achievement of political independence. Break off the shackles, which bind us to the empire."

Ukraine chose the leader of a new national church on Saturday, marking a historic split from Russia which its leaders see as vital to the country's security and independence.

Ukraine chose the leader of a new national church on Saturday, marking a historic split from Russia which its leaders see as vital to the country's security and independence. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said Metropolitan Epifaniy, of the Kiev Patriarchate church, had been chosen as head of the new church. "This day will go into history as a sacred day ... the day of the final independence from Russia," Poroshenko told thousands of supporters, who shouted, "glory, glory, glory". Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed following Moscow's seizure of Crimea in 2014. Ukraine imposed martial law in November, citing the threat of a full-scale invasion after Russia captured three of its vessels in the Kerch Strait. The Ukrainian Orthodox church has been beholden to Moscow for hundreds of years, and Ukraine's leaders see church independence as vital to tackling Russian meddling. Kiev says Moscow-backed churches on its soil are a Kremlin tool to spread propaganda and support fighters in the Donbass region in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people. The churches strongly deny this. The leader of the new church was chosen by a council that met at the St Sophia Cathedral in Kiev, built by the son of Prince Volodymyr whose baptism in 988 led to the spread of Christianity in the region. "The question of autocephaly is a question of Ukrainian national security," Poroshenko had told the council earlier. "This is a question of Ukrainian statehood. We acquire spiritual independence, which can be compared to the achievement of political independence. Break off the shackles, which bind us to the empire."

Ukraine's President names leader of new church in split from Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878">Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878">gun</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/strasbourg-christmas-market-attacker-killed-after-gun-battle-183878"> battle</a>

French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/today-has-been-out-of-this-world-its-a-thumbs-up-for-astronauts-branson-on-virgin-galactics-voyage-183902">Today has been out of this world, it's a thumbs up for astronauts: Branson on Virgin Galactic's voyage into space</a>

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, flew higher than it ever has before on Thursday, surpassing what the US Air Force considers the boundary of space, and marking the first manned flight to space from US soil since 2011.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eu-leaders-reject-mays-plea-over-brexit-deal-183880">EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal</a>

EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898">China going to open up </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898">whole</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-going-to-open-up-whole-country-they-want-to-please-me-trump-183898"> country, they want to please me: Trump</a>

In a major policy shift, China is "going to open" up the entire country, US President Donald Trump said Thursday amidst trade negotiations with the Chinese.

"I just see this in the front page of The Wall Street Journal which just came out. China is going to open its policy, a big policy shift. They are going to open the whole country, that they want to please President Trump, that they want to do things that they have to do and that people should have been after China for years, I mean frankly," Trump told Fox News in an interview.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-trump-putin-meeting-while-russia-holds-ukraine-ship-john-bolton-183876">No Trump-Putin meeting while Russia holds Ukraine ship: US NSA John Bolton</a>

There will be no meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russia still holds Ukrainian ships and sailors seized near Crimea, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday.

Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after gun battle French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died.

Strasbourg Christmas market attacker killed after gun battle French security forces on Thursday night killed the suspect, Cherif Chekatt, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in which three people had died. Today has been out of this world, it's a thumbs up for astronauts: Branson on Virgin Galactic's voyage into space Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo, VSS Unity, flew higher than it ever has before on Thursday, surpassing what the US Air Force considers the boundary of space, and marking the first manned flight to space from US soil since 2011. EU leaders reject PM Theresa May's plea over Brexit deal EU leaders rejected a plea by Theresa May on Thursday to help her sell her Brexit deal to parliament, warning she must set out exactly what she wants -- and announcing they would step up contingency plans in case the deal collapses. China going to open up whole country, they want to please me: Trump In a major policy shift, China is "going to open" up the entire country, US President Donald Trump said Thursday amidst trade negotiations with the Chinese. "I just see this in the front page of The Wall Street Journal which just came out. China is going to open its policy, a big policy shift. They are going to open the whole country, that they want to please President Trump, that they want to do things that they have to do and that people should have been after China for years, I mean frankly," Trump told Fox News in an interview. No Trump-Putin meeting while Russia holds Ukraine ship: US NSA John Bolton There will be no meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin while Russia still holds Ukrainian ships and sailors seized near Crimea, US national security adviser John Bolton said on Thursday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The head of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-wont-testify-captured-ukrainian-navy-captains-tell-russia-183847">Ukrainian navy</a> is meeting his US counterpart this week in Washington, where they will discuss the Russian navy's recent seizure of three Ukrainian vessels, a US official said Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rising-tension-between-russia-and-ukraine-keeps-tourists-away-from-crimea-181930">Russian ships </a>last month opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels as they tried to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, and detained the 24 Ukrainian crew members.

Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said Ukraine's Admiral Ihor Voronchenko is meeting Thursday and Friday with US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson.

Richardson and other Pentagon officials "will reiterate the US support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters, as well as the right of its vessels to traverse international waters," Pahon told AFP.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis earlier this month blasted the Russian navy's "brazen" violation of a treaty that allows both Russian and Ukrainian ships free passage in the Kerch Strait.

Pahon said the US government supports "Ukraine in its pursuit of a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the ongoing Russian aggression, including Russia's recent unprovoked attack on Ukrainian naval vessels in the Black Sea."

Ukraine's foreign minister on Thursday called for a speedy international response to Russia's "aggression" after it seized the three Ukrainian navy ships and 24 sailors.

The confrontation at sea on November 25 was the first open military incident between Kiev and Moscow since 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and a conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine between pro-Russia separatists and government forces, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives.

The head of the Ukrainian navy is meeting his US counterpart this week in Washington, where they will discuss the Russian navy's recent seizure of three Ukrainian vessels, a US official said Thursday.

The head of the Ukrainian navy is meeting his US counterpart this week in Washington, where they will discuss the Russian navy's recent seizure of three Ukrainian vessels, a US official said Thursday. Russian ships last month opened fire on three Ukrainian navy vessels as they tried to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, and detained the 24 Ukrainian crew members. Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said Ukraine's Admiral Ihor Voronchenko is meeting Thursday and Friday with US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson. Richardson and other Pentagon officials "will reiterate the US support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters, as well as the right of its vessels to traverse international waters," Pahon told AFP. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis earlier this month blasted the Russian navy's "brazen" violation of a treaty that allows both Russian and Ukrainian ships free passage in the Kerch Strait. Pahon said the US government supports "Ukraine in its pursuit of a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the ongoing Russian aggression, including Russia's recent unprovoked attack on Ukrainian naval vessels in the Black Sea." Ukraine's foreign minister on Thursday called for a speedy international response to Russia's "aggression" after it seized the three Ukrainian navy ships and 24 sailors. The confrontation at sea on November 25 was the first open military incident between Kiev and Moscow since 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula and a conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine between pro-Russia separatists and government forces, which has claimed more than 10,000 lives.

US, Ukraine navy heads meet after Russia ship seizure

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 last month off the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea and accused them of illegally entering Russian waters.

Ukraine has said Russia captured the two small gunboats and one tugboat illegally and accused Moscow of military aggression.

The United States and the European Union have called for the release of the sailors, who are in pretrial detention in Moscow.

Roman Mokryak, the commander of one of the gunboats, told Russian investigators he would not provide any information until his crew was released, his lawyer, Ilya Novikov, said on Wednesday.

"He believes he alone answers for what happens on board, that his crew carried out his orders and that they cannot be held to account," Novikov wrote on Facebook.

Oleh Melnychuk, the captain of the tugboat, has also refused to testify, denying Moscow's accusations and calling himself a prisoner of war, his lawyer Edem Semedlyayev wrote in a separate Facebook post on Wednesday.

No date has been set for the sailors' trial.

Ukraine has said it fears Russia is preparing to attack it, citing an alleged military build-up along its border. Russia denies this and says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is trying to whip up anti-Russian sentiment as part of an election campaign.

Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and backs, separatists, fighting Kiev's forces in the east of the country.

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

Two Ukrainian navy captains being held in a Russian jail have refused to provide testimony because they consider themselves prisoners of war, their lawyers said on Wednesday. Russia seized three Ukrainian navy vessels and their combined crew of 24 last month off the coast of Russian-annexed Crimea and accused them of illegally entering Russian waters. Ukraine has said Russia captured the two small gunboats and one tugboat illegally and accused Moscow of military aggression. The United States and the European Union have called for the release of the sailors, who are in pretrial detention in Moscow. Roman Mokryak, the commander of one of the gunboats, told Russian investigators he would not provide any information until his crew was released, his lawyer, Ilya Novikov, said on Wednesday. "He believes he alone answers for what happens on board, that his crew carried out his orders and that they cannot be held to account," Novikov wrote on Facebook. Oleh Melnychuk, the captain of the tugboat, has also refused to testify, denying Moscow's accusations and calling himself a prisoner of war, his lawyer Edem Semedlyayev wrote in a separate Facebook post on Wednesday. No date has been set for the sailors' trial. Ukraine has said it fears Russia is preparing to attack it, citing an alleged military build-up along its border. Russia denies this and says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko is trying to whip up anti-Russian sentiment as part of an election campaign. Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimean peninsula in 2014 and backs, separatists, fighting Kiev's forces in the east of the country.

We won't testify: Captured Ukrainian navy captains tell Russia

A new corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-tests-new-anti-ship-cruise-missile-and-s-125-air-defence-system-181743">arrived in the port of Sevastopol</a> on Friday&nbsp;to join the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea.

Orekhovo-Zuyevo is a Buyan-M class corvette armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles with a claimed range of 2000 km, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Her sister ship - corvette Vyshny Volochek has already joined the fleet in June.

In 2016 two other ships of the same class took part in military action in Syria. The Black Sea Fleet is expected to get two more corvettes armed with Kalibr missiles next year, the spokesman of the fleet Aleksei Rulev told journalists last month.

Earlier this week,&nbsp;two patrol ships Dmitry Rogachev and Vassiy Bykov had also arrived in Sevastopol.

The enforcement of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, follows Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian navy vessels off the coast of the peninsula on November 25.

A new corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo arrived in the port of Sevastopol on Friday to join the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea. Orekhovo-Zuyevo is a Buyan-M class corvette armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles with a claimed range of 2000 km, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

A new corvette Orekhovo-Zuyevo arrived in the port of Sevastopol on Friday to join the Russian Black Sea Fleet in annexed Crimea. Orekhovo-Zuyevo is a Buyan-M class corvette armed with nuclear-capable Kalibr cruise missiles with a claimed range of 2000 km, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence. Her sister ship - corvette Vyshny Volochek has already joined the fleet in June. In 2016 two other ships of the same class took part in military action in Syria. The Black Sea Fleet is expected to get two more corvettes armed with Kalibr missiles next year, the spokesman of the fleet Aleksei Rulev told journalists last month. Earlier this week, two patrol ships Dmitry Rogachev and Vassiy Bykov had also arrived in Sevastopol. The enforcement of the Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014, follows Russia's seizure of three Ukrainian navy vessels off the coast of the peninsula on November 25.

Watch: New missile carrier ship joins Russian fleet in Crimea

The recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine near the Crimean peninsula has hit a number of industries there. One major victim of rising disturbances across the Black Sea is the tourism industry.

George is one of very few English speaking people in Crimea. He is a guide and had learnt English for this profession, but now his language skill is getting wasted.

While rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia have kept foreign tourists away, the winter season is also leading to less domestic tourists now venturing out for leisure or travel.

"Politics is bad in every country. It is bad in India, it is bad in Crimea also," said George.

Crimea has been witnessing a steady fall in number of tourists visiting the peninsula since its annexation by Russia in 2014. Moscow claims 5.5 million tourists visited Crimea in 2016 as compared to 6.1 million in 2012 when Ukraine controlled the peninsula, though the numbers are contested by the Ukrainian government. The latest stand-off has further led to decline in the number of foreign tourists, however, Russia maintains that the number is rising.

Apart from Black Sea beaches and mountains, Crimea is famous for its palaces including this Livadia Palace in Yalta. This summer palace was designed in the Italian style and ended up being the last residence built for the Russian imperial family, the Romanovs. In 1861, Tsar Alexander II bought land in Livadia and had the grand palace built there as a gift to his wife. It was the site of many significant events, such as the Yalta Conference, where leaders of the allied forces met in 1945.

The Vorontsov Palace in Alupka is also very popular among tourists. It is a historic palace situated at the foot of the Crimean mountains near the town of Alupka. The Vorontsov Palace is one of the oldest and largest palaces in Crimea and is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Crimea's southern coast. Also, Hitler wanted this palace for himself during the Second World War so the German army didn't touch the palace during their assault.

But visiting these places is not easy, especially for foreign tourists as foreign-registered SIM cards don't work in Crimea. The economy works only on cash as foreign cards are not accepted by machines. There is also the ban imposed by Kiev on foreigners entering Crimea through its border with Ukraine and the sanction imposed by the European Union which bans importing goods from Crimea and prohibits EU members to invest there or provide tourism services.

Till the time the tensions between Ukraine and Russia die down and these the logistic problems for foreign tourists are solved, getting back the days of the sun shining bright on tourism industry in Crimea will remain a dream.

The recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine near the Crimean peninsula has hit a number of industries there. One major victim of rising disturbances across the Black Sea is the tourism industry.

The recent tensions between Russia and Ukraine near the Crimean peninsula has hit a number of industries there. One major victim of rising disturbances across the Black Sea is the tourism industry. George is one of very few English speaking people in Crimea. He is a guide and had learnt English for this profession, but now his language skill is getting wasted. While rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia have kept foreign tourists away, the winter season is also leading to less domestic tourists now venturing out for leisure or travel. "Politics is bad in every country. It is bad in India, it is bad in Crimea also," said George. Crimea has been witnessing a steady fall in number of tourists visiting the peninsula since its annexation by Russia in 2014. Moscow claims 5.5 million tourists visited Crimea in 2016 as compared to 6.1 million in 2012 when Ukraine controlled the peninsula, though the numbers are contested by the Ukrainian government. The latest stand-off has further led to decline in the number of foreign tourists, however, Russia maintains that the number is rising. Apart from Black Sea beaches and mountains, Crimea is famous for its palaces including this Livadia Palace in Yalta. This summer palace was designed in the Italian style and ended up being the last residence built for the Russian imperial family, the Romanovs. In 1861, Tsar Alexander II bought land in Livadia and had the grand palace built there as a gift to his wife. It was the site of many significant events, such as the Yalta Conference, where leaders of the allied forces met in 1945. The Vorontsov Palace in Alupka is also very popular among tourists. It is a historic palace situated at the foot of the Crimean mountains near the town of Alupka. The Vorontsov Palace is one of the oldest and largest palaces in Crimea and is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Crimea's southern coast. Also, Hitler wanted this palace for himself during the Second World War so the German army didn't touch the palace during their assault. But visiting these places is not easy, especially for foreign tourists as foreign-registered SIM cards don't work in Crimea. The economy works only on cash as foreign cards are not accepted by machines. There is also the ban imposed by Kiev on foreigners entering Crimea through its border with Ukraine and the sanction imposed by the European Union which bans importing goods from Crimea and prohibits EU members to invest there or provide tourism services. Till the time the tensions between Ukraine and Russia die down and these the logistic problems for foreign tourists are solved, getting back the days of the sun shining bright on tourism industry in Crimea will remain a dream.

Rising tension between Russia and Ukraine keeps tourists away from Crimea

Amid tensions with Russia, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-putin-explains-his-side-of-the-story-to-trump-180807">Ukraine today tested a new anti-ship </a>cruise missile even as it conducted military drill on Russia's border.

Ukraine test launched the S-125 air defence system and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-bans-entry-to-russian-men-border-service-chief-180423">Neptune subsonic cruise missile</a>. The test launch comes as Russia last week deployed the S-400 missile defence system in Crimea.

"Today, we tested the ability of the cruise missile to hit surface targets at long distances. It is important that the missile could destroy the target accurately at a distance of 280 km. This is a very good result," chief of national security and defence council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov said.

Ukranian forces undertook military exercise on the northern part of its capital Kiev bordering Russia as relations between the two countries continued to go&nbsp;downhill.

Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after its ships were earlier seized by Russian Navy in the Sea of Azov in a clash which was criticsed by Western powers.

"Test launches of Ukrainian missiles proved its ability to secure our country's borders along the Black Sea and the Azov Sea," Turchynov added.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met with families of the sailors caputured by Russia and vowed to bring them back. "For me there's nothing more important than getting them out," Poroshenko told the relatives.

At least 24 saloirs have been arrested by Russia, and it has refused to free them despite international pressure. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any move to send back the sailors to Ukraine.

On Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights, acting on a request from Kiev, called on Moscow to provide "appropriate medical treatment" to the soldiers who were wounded during the clash at sea.

The standoff led Ukraine to call for NATO's help as it requested the European military organization to come up with a "comprehensive answer" to Russian aggression in the Black Sea.

However, Ukraine also said Russia had allowed the partial opening of Sea of Azov allowing Ukrainian ships to dock in its ports.

Amid tensions with Russia, Ukraine today tested a new anti-ship cruise missile even as it conducted military drill on Russia's border. Ukraine test launched the S-125 air defence system and Neptune subsonic cruise missile.

Amid tensions with Russia, Ukraine today tested a new anti-ship cruise missile even as it conducted military drill on Russia's border. Ukraine test launched the S-125 air defence system and Neptune subsonic cruise missile. The test launch comes as Russia last week deployed the S-400 missile defence system in Crimea. "Today, we tested the ability of the cruise missile to hit surface targets at long distances. It is important that the missile could destroy the target accurately at a distance of 280 km. This is a very good result," chief of national security and defence council of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov said. Ukranian forces undertook military exercise on the northern part of its capital Kiev bordering Russia as relations between the two countries continued to go downhill. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after its ships were earlier seized by Russian Navy in the Sea of Azov in a clash which was criticsed by Western powers. "Test launches of Ukrainian missiles proved its ability to secure our country's borders along the Black Sea and the Azov Sea," Turchynov added. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko met with families of the sailors caputured by Russia and vowed to bring them back. "For me there's nothing more important than getting them out," Poroshenko told the relatives. At least 24 saloirs have been arrested by Russia, and it has refused to free them despite international pressure. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed any move to send back the sailors to Ukraine. On Tuesday the European Court of Human Rights, acting on a request from Kiev, called on Moscow to provide "appropriate medical treatment" to the soldiers who were wounded during the clash at sea. The standoff led Ukraine to call for NATO's help as it requested the European military organization to come up with a "comprehensive answer" to Russian aggression in the Black Sea. However, Ukraine also said Russia had allowed the partial opening of Sea of Azov allowing Ukrainian ships to dock in its ports.

Ukraine tests new anti-ship cruise missile and S-125 air defence system

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-continue-so-long-as-ukraine-government-stays-putin-180802">drills even as Kiev said Russia</a> has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports.

"The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said.

Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads after the Russian Navy last week seized three Ukranian ships and took at least 24 sailors into custody. Russia has refused to free the sailors and hasn't released the ships amid sustained Western pressure.

"We can see how instead of thirty soldiers, who were invited to arrive at a military commission in order to participate in exercises, 165 soldiers came - with backpacks and ready to defend Ukraine at any time," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said.&nbsp;

Ukranian forces conducted drills in the north of the capital bordering Russia as tensions between the two countries continued unabated. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after the skirmish with Russian forces in the Sea of Azov.

Canadian armed forces joined Ukraine's land forces during the drill. Canadian commander Jean-Marc Lanthier said Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.

However, in the past two days, tensions have eased as Russia began to open the sea route.

"Ships are coming and going through the Kerch Strait towards Ukrainian ports... movement has been partially restored," a Ukranian ministry statement said.

Meanwhile, EU nations including Poland called for tougher sanctions on Russia amid the standoff.

Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz said: If they are ready to use more than ten military ships and the whole military mechanism against two Ukrainian motor boats and one tug, can you imagine what they are able to use in the Baltic Sea in order to protect Nord Stream 2?"

Last week, Ukrainian state border guards allowed only Ukrainian citizens to cross the border into Crimea. Ukraine had earlier barred entry of Russian men aged between 16-60 years from entering its territory.

President Petro Poroshenko had said banning Russian men was important for stopping a full-scale invasion.&nbsp;

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military drills even as Kiev said Russia has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports. "The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said.

Ukraine's armed forces conducted military drills even as Kiev said Russia has partially opened the Sea of Azov for Ukranian ships to enter the ports. "The Berdyansk and Mariupol ports have been partially unblocked," Ukraine's infrastructure minister Volodymyr Omelyan said. Ukraine and Russia have been at loggerheads after the Russian Navy last week seized three Ukranian ships and took at least 24 sailors into custody. Russia has refused to free the sailors and hasn't released the ships amid sustained Western pressure. "We can see how instead of thirty soldiers, who were invited to arrive at a military commission in order to participate in exercises, 165 soldiers came - with backpacks and ready to defend Ukraine at any time," Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said. Ukranian forces conducted drills in the north of the capital bordering Russia as tensions between the two countries continued unabated. Ukraine had imposed martial law on November 26th after the skirmish with Russian forces in the Sea of Azov. Canadian armed forces joined Ukraine's land forces during the drill. Canadian commander Jean-Marc Lanthier said Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. However, in the past two days, tensions have eased as Russia began to open the sea route. "Ships are coming and going through the Kerch Strait towards Ukrainian ports... movement has been partially restored," a Ukranian ministry statement said. Meanwhile, EU nations including Poland called for tougher sanctions on Russia amid the standoff. Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz said: If they are ready to use more than ten military ships and the whole military mechanism against two Ukrainian motor boats and one tug, can you imagine what they are able to use in the Baltic Sea in order to protect Nord Stream 2?" Last week, Ukrainian state border guards allowed only Ukrainian citizens to cross the border into Crimea. Ukraine had earlier barred entry of Russian men aged between 16-60 years from entering its territory. President Petro Poroshenko had said banning Russian men was important for stopping a full-scale invasion.

Watch: Ukraine conducts military drill as Russia partially reopens Azov Sea ports

Russia-Ukraine crisis: War will continue as long as Ukraine govt stays; says Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-confirms-seizing-three-ukrainian-naval-ships-off-crimea-179412">the conflict in eastern Ukraine</a> "as long as the current authorities remain in power."

"The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

"As long as they remain in power, the war will continue," the Russian leader said.

The conflict pitting Russian separatists against Ukrainian government forces is estimated to have claimed more than 10,000 lives -- one-third of them civilian -- since it broke out four years ago.

The war has strained relations with Western powers. They blame Putin for starting the conflict in 2014, when his forces annexed Crimea, laying the ground for Russian separatists to seize cities in eastern Ukraine.

Heavy military spending and the loss of vital industries in the separatist regions have weighed heavily on Ukraine's economy.

And Kiev has received only around half of a $17.5 billion rescue loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the slow pace of reforms that include anti-corruption measures.

But Putin dismissed Ukraine's economic problems on Saturday, saying, "It's always easier to blame economic failures on war."

"It's always the 'outside aggressor' who is guilty," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday he saw no end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine "as long as the current authorities remain in power." "The current Ukrainian authorities have no interest in resolving the conflict, especially by peaceful means," Putin told reporters at the end of the G20 summit in Argentina. "As long as they remain in power, the war will continue," the Russian leader said. The conflict pitting Russian separatists against Ukrainian government forces is estimated to have claimed more than 10,000 lives -- one-third of them civilian -- since it broke out four years ago. The war has strained relations with Western powers. They blame Putin for starting the conflict in 2014, when his forces annexed Crimea, laying the ground for Russian separatists to seize cities in eastern Ukraine. Heavy military spending and the loss of vital industries in the separatist regions have weighed heavily on Ukraine's economy. And Kiev has received only around half of a $17.5 billion rescue loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) because of the slow pace of reforms that include anti-corruption measures. But Putin dismissed Ukraine's economic problems on Saturday, saying, "It's always easier to blame economic failures on war." "It's always the 'outside aggressor' who is guilty," he said.

War will continue so long as Ukraine government stays: Putin

Russian dancer denied entry in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

"Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily.

President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend.

But Poroshenko charged that Putin "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">wants nothing less than to occupy the sea</a>. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world.

"We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

"Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" he added on the day Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman was to visit Berlin.

Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation.

Kiev accused Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression".

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free the Ukrainian ships and sailors, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences".

Poroshenko also told the German newspaper that German "Chancellor (Angela) Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine.&nbsp;

"In 2015, she already saved our country through her negotiations in Minsk, and we hope she will once again support us so strongly, together with our other allies.

"Putin wants to bring back the old Russian Empire. Crimea, Donbas, he wants the whole country," he added.&nbsp;

"As a Russian emperor, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine, he sees us as a colony."

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko asked NATO members including Germany Thursday to send naval vessels to the Sea of Azov to back his country in the standoff with Russia. "Germany is one of our closest allies, and we hope that states within NATO are now ready to relocate naval ships to the Sea of Azov in order to assist Ukraine and provide security," he told Germany's Bild daily. President Vladimir Putin insisted Wednesday that Russian forces were right to seize three Ukrainian ships last weekend. But Poroshenko charged that Putin "wants nothing less than to occupy the sea. The only language he understands is the unity of the Western world. "We cannot accept this aggressive policy of Russia. First it was Crimea, then eastern Ukraine, now he wants the Sea of Azov. "Germany, too, has to ask itself: What will Putin do next if we do not stop him?" he added on the day Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman was to visit Berlin. Russia fired on and then seized three Ukrainian ships on Sunday, accusing them of illegally entering its waters in the Sea of Azov, in a dramatic spike in tensions that raises fears of a wider escalation. Kiev accused Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, of launching "a new phase of aggression". NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Monday demanded Russia free the Ukrainian ships and sailors, warning Moscow that "its actions have consequences". Poroshenko also told the German newspaper that German "Chancellor (Angela) Merkel is a great friend of Ukraine. "In 2015, she already saved our country through her negotiations in Minsk, and we hope she will once again support us so strongly, together with our other allies. "Putin wants to bring back the old Russian Empire. Crimea, Donbas, he wants the whole country," he added. "As a Russian emperor, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine, he sees us as a colony."

Ukraine asks NATO to send ships to back it in conflict with Russia

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-asks-nato-to-send-ships-to-back-it-in-conflict-with-russia-180117">Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko</a> on Thursday accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations.

Poroshenko's comments to German media were part of a concerted push by Kiev aimed at gaining Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenue.

His Western allies have so far not offered to give him any of these things soon, despite his warnings of a possible invasion by Russia after Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday.

Moscow and Kiev blame each other for the Black Sea incident, which took place off Russian-annexed Crimea.

"Don't believe Putin's lies," Poroshenko told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper, comparing Russia's protestations of innocence in the affair to Moscow's 2014 denial that it had soldiers in Crimea even as they moved to annex it.

"Putin wants the old Russian empire back," he said. "Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian Tsar, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony."

Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraine's infrastructure minister, on Thursday accused Russia of imposing a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring ships from leaving and entering the sea via the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait.

The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. If there were any delays they were due to bad weather rather than politics, it said.

Poroshenko told Bild he also wanted NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov. There was no immediate reaction from the alliance, which has condemned Russia's seizure of the Ukrainian ships. The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request looked designed to cause more tensions in the area.

'FORTRESS CRIMEA'

There were further signs that Russia was pressing ahead with its plans to fortify Crimea and turn it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress.

Russia on Thursday deployed a new battalion of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Crimea, its fourth such, TASS news agency cited a spokesman for Russia's Black Sea Fleet as saying.

Citing a Crimean security source, Interfax news agency also reported Russian plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station in Crimea next year that would be able to track ballistic and cruise missiles from a long distance.

Russia was also working on a new technical system to allow it to better track shipping around the peninsula in order to protect its maritime borders, Interfax said.

The United States and the EU have both imposed sanctions on Russia over its conduct towards Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow seized and annexed Crimea after a pro-Russian leader was toppled in Kiev.

Moscow later backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. Major fighting ended with a 2015 ceasefire but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent.

Poroshenko, whom Putin has accused of manufacturing the Black Sea crisis to boost his flagging ratings before an election next year, called on Germany to halt an undersea pipeline project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly.

The Nord Stream 2 project is a potentially serious problem for Ukraine which currently earns large transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe and stands to lose out.

"We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour," Poroshenko told Funke. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project."

But Germany's economy minister dismissed the idea that his country's commitment to the pipeline undermined efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis.

"These are two separate questions," Peter Altmaier told the ARD public broadcaster.

Poroshenko's attempts to get the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia appeared to be falling flat.

Heeding his suggestion, the EU's hawks have called for more sanctions but the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all, diplomatic sources have said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would raise the Black Sea issue with Putin at a G20 summit which starts in Argentina on Friday where the Russian leader is also due to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.

NATO has urged Russia to release the three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews, saying there was no justification for Moscow's actions. But the military alliance, which Ukraine one day hopes to join, has stopped short of offering to deploy new forces in the area to deter Russia.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Thursday accused Russia's Vladimir Putin of wanting to annex his entire country and called for NATO to deploy warships to a sea shared by the two nations. Poroshenko's comments to German media were part of a concerted push by Kiev aimed at gaining Western support for more sanctions against Moscow, securing tangible Western military help, and rallying opposition to a Russian gas pipeline that threatens to deprive Ukraine of important transit revenue. His Western allies have so far not offered to give him any of these things soon, despite his warnings of a possible invasion by Russia after Moscow seized three Ukrainian naval ships and their crews on Sunday. Moscow and Kiev blame each other for the Black Sea incident, which took place off Russian-annexed Crimea. "Don't believe Putin's lies," Poroshenko told Bild, Germany's biggest-selling paper, comparing Russia's protestations of innocence in the affair to Moscow's 2014 denial that it had soldiers in Crimea even as they moved to annex it. "Putin wants the old Russian empire back," he said. "Crimea, Donbass, the whole country. As Russian Tsar, as he sees himself, his empire cannot function without Ukraine. He sees us as his colony." Volodymyr Omelyan, Ukraine's infrastructure minister, on Thursday accused Russia of imposing a de facto blockade on two Ukrainian ports on the Sea of Azov by barring ships from leaving and entering the sea via the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait. The Kremlin denied it was restricting shipping, saying it had not heard of any problems. If there were any delays they were due to bad weather rather than politics, it said. Poroshenko told Bild he also wanted NATO to deploy warships to the Sea of Azov. There was no immediate reaction from the alliance, which has condemned Russia's seizure of the Ukrainian ships. The Kremlin said Poroshenko's request looked designed to cause more tensions in the area. 'FORTRESS CRIMEA' There were further signs that Russia was pressing ahead with its plans to fortify Crimea and turn it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. Russia on Thursday deployed a new battalion of advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems in Crimea, its fourth such, TASS news agency cited a spokesman for Russia's Black Sea Fleet as saying. Citing a Crimean security source, Interfax news agency also reported Russian plans to build a new missile early-warning radar station in Crimea next year that would be able to track ballistic and cruise missiles from a long distance. Russia was also working on a new technical system to allow it to better track shipping around the peninsula in order to protect its maritime borders, Interfax said. The United States and the EU have both imposed sanctions on Russia over its conduct towards Ukraine since 2014, when Moscow seized and annexed Crimea after a pro-Russian leader was toppled in Kiev. Moscow later backed pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine in a conflict in which more than 10,000 people have been killed. Major fighting ended with a 2015 ceasefire but deadly exchanges of fire are still frequent. Poroshenko, whom Putin has accused of manufacturing the Black Sea crisis to boost his flagging ratings before an election next year, called on Germany to halt an undersea pipeline project that would allow Russia to supply more gas to Germany directly. The Nord Stream 2 project is a potentially serious problem for Ukraine which currently earns large transit fees from piping Russian gas to Europe and stands to lose out. "We need a strong, resolute and clear reaction to Russia's aggressive behaviour," Poroshenko told Funke. "That also means stopping the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project." But Germany's economy minister dismissed the idea that his country's commitment to the pipeline undermined efforts to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis. "These are two separate questions," Peter Altmaier told the ARD public broadcaster. Poroshenko's attempts to get the EU to impose new sanctions on Russia appeared to be falling flat. Heeding his suggestion, the EU's hawks have called for more sanctions but the divided bloc is not going to act swiftly, if at all, diplomatic sources have said. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she would raise the Black Sea issue with Putin at a G20 summit which starts in Argentina on Friday where the Russian leader is also due to hold talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. NATO has urged Russia to release the three Ukrainian navy ships and their crews, saying there was no justification for Moscow's actions. But the military alliance, which Ukraine one day hopes to join, has stopped short of offering to deploy new forces in the area to deter Russia.

Putin wants my whole country, says Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-warns-of-threat-of-full-scale-war-with-russia-179864">Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2018-polling-begins-in-mizoram-179865">Assembly elections 2018: Polling begins in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram</a>

Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls today. While the northeastern state is one of three in the country currently under Congress rule, the BJP has now been in power in Madhya Pradesh for three terms.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871">Pak's Imran Khan to lay </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871">foundation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179871"> stone for Kartarpur Corridor today</a>

Prime Minister Imran Khan will on Wednesday lay the foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur — the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev — to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-cut-gm-subsidies-in-retaliation-for-us-job-cuts-179852">After US job cuts, Trump threatens to stop all GM subsidies</a>

US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to eliminate subsidies for General Motors Co in retaliation for the automaker cutting US jobs and plants, and the automaker also took fire from Canadian political and labour leaders for cutbacks there.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-suggests-creating-worldwide-network-to-counter-cnns-unfair-reporting-179855">To counter CNN's 'unfair' reporting, Trump suggests creating a 'Worldwide Network'</a>

President Donald Trump slammed American broadcast network CNN for portraying the US in an "unfair and false way" to the rest of the world and suggested launching a "Worldwide Network" to counter CNN`s reporting by showing another view of the situation in the country.

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours. Assembly elections 2018: Polling begins in Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram go to the polls today. While the northeastern state is one of three in the country currently under Congress rule, the BJP has now been in power in Madhya Pradesh for three terms. Pak's Imran Khan to lay foundation stone for Kartarpur Corridor today Prime Minister Imran Khan will on Wednesday lay the foundation stone for the much-awaited corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur — the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev — to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. After US job cuts, Trump threatens to stop all GM subsidies US President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to eliminate subsidies for General Motors Co in retaliation for the automaker cutting US jobs and plants, and the automaker also took fire from Canadian political and labour leaders for cutbacks there. To counter CNN's 'unfair' reporting, Trump suggests creating a 'Worldwide Network' President Donald Trump slammed American broadcast network CNN for portraying the US in an "unfair and false way" to the rest of the world and suggested launching a "Worldwide Network" to counter CNN`s reporting by showing another view of the situation in the country.

Ukraine today officially imposed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-warns-against-reckless-moves-after-ukraine-declares-martial-law-179834">martial law as its tension with Russia</a> continued days after Ukranian ships were seized by the Russian navy in the Sea of Azov.

President Vladimir Putin said that border guards "fulfilled their military duty" and protected Russia's border even as Western powers criticised the Russian government's latest move.

Putin said the Ukranian's had "provoked" the incident, "These territorial waters were always ours, even before Crimea joined Russia," Putin said, referring to Moscow's 2014 annexation of the peninsula.

President Petro Poroshenko's government imposed martial law in 10 regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea for the next 30 days as the standoff with Russia continued. Russia seized three ships and captured 24 Ukranian soldiers during the skirmish at sea.

A court in Crimea ordered seven of the Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine has been rising since Putin's regime annexed Crimea in 2014 despite international condemnation.

US President Donald Trump siding with Ukraine said he may cancel summit with Putin at the G20 this week as a result of the confrontation. Several European countries called for new sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that other countries should do more in support of Ukraine with the US taking a strong position. Europen Union foreign ministers are due to discuss the crisis on December 10th.

Meanwhile, Russia's &nbsp;Interfax news agency citing Russian defence ministry said it had deployed the new S-400 surface-to-air missile systems on the Crimean peninsula. RIA news agency said the new S-400 systems would be operational by the end of the year. 
&nbsp;

Ukraine today officially imposed martial law as its tension with Russia continued days after Ukranian ships were seized by the Russian navy in the Sea of Azov. President Vladimir Putin said that border guards "fulfilled their military duty" and protected Russia's border even as Western powers criticised the Russian government's latest move.

Ukraine today officially imposed martial law as its tension with Russia continued days after Ukranian ships were seized by the Russian navy in the Sea of Azov. President Vladimir Putin said that border guards "fulfilled their military duty" and protected Russia's border even as Western powers criticised the Russian government's latest move. Putin said the Ukranian's had "provoked" the incident, "These territorial waters were always ours, even before Crimea joined Russia," Putin said, referring to Moscow's 2014 annexation of the peninsula. President Petro Poroshenko's government imposed martial law in 10 regions bordering Russia, the Black Sea and the Azov Sea for the next 30 days as the standoff with Russia continued. Russia seized three ships and captured 24 Ukranian soldiers during the skirmish at sea. A court in Crimea ordered seven of the Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial. Tensions between Russia and Ukraine has been rising since Putin's regime annexed Crimea in 2014 despite international condemnation. US President Donald Trump siding with Ukraine said he may cancel summit with Putin at the G20 this week as a result of the confrontation. Several European countries called for new sanctions against Russia. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said that other countries should do more in support of Ukraine with the US taking a strong position. Europen Union foreign ministers are due to discuss the crisis on December 10th. Meanwhile, Russia's Interfax news agency citing Russian defence ministry said it had deployed the new S-400 surface-to-air missile systems on the Crimean peninsula. RIA news agency said the new S-400 systems would be operational by the end of the year.

Russia has deployed S-400 missiles in Crimea after martial law in Ukraine: Report

Russia said on Wednesday it would send more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea and a Reuters reporter saw a Russian warship deploying nearby as tensions with Ukraine rose over Moscow's seizure of Ukrainian navy ships.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-india-russia-conduct-joint-military-exercise-in-uttar-pradesh-179994">Russia has steadily poured new military hardware</a> into Crimea since it annexed it from Ukraine in 2014, turning it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress.

Moscow's announcement about new missiles follows its seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews on Sunday over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, something Ukraine denies.

Kiev introduced martial law in parts of the country after the incident, saying it feared a possible Russian invasion.

The episode risks derailing a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 in Argentina later this week. Trump said on Tuesday that he might cancel the meeting due to the incident, but the Kremlin said on Wednesday it thought it was still on.

Vadim Astafyev, a spokesman for Russia's southern military district, was cited by Russian news agencies on Wednesday as saying that a new battalion of S-400 missiles would be delivered to Crimea soon and become operational by the end of the year.

The deployment is likely to have been long-planned, but the timing of the announcement appeared designed to send a message to Ukraine and the West that Russia is serious about defending what it regards as its own territory and waters.

Crimea already hosts three battalions of the anti-aircraft missile systems which have a range of up to 400 km (250 miles) allowing Russia to control large swaths of the skies above the Black Sea.

Minesweeper

The new deployment would allow it to increase its air defence coverage area.

The United States has previously said that Russia's deployment of the missile systems to Crimea is "not good".

Separately, a Reuters correspondent in Crimea on Wednesday observed a Russian navy minesweeper ship, the Vice-Admiral Zakharin, heading for the Sea of Azov, which is used by both Ukraine and Russia and is an area of growing tensions.

Citing sources in Ukraine's ruling circles, Russia's Izvestia newspaper reported that Kiev had been trying to persuade Washington - so far unsuccessfully - to open a military base in Ukraine.

Reuters could not independently confirm the report.

Later on Wednesday, a Crimean court is due to order the detention of nine of the 24 captured Ukrainian sailors - including senior Ukrainian naval officers and at least one member of Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency.

A court in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea, on Tuesday, ordered the other 15 Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial.

All of the sailors face jail terms of up to six years if found guilty of what Moscow says was a plot to illegally cross the Russian border by trying to pass through the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait on Sunday without advance notice and ignoring calls to stop.

Ukraine says its ships did nothing wrong and have every right to use the strait, the only gateway to the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea, without Russian permission.

Russia said on Wednesday it would send more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea and a Reuters reporter saw a Russian warship deploying nearby as tensions with Ukraine rose over Moscow's seizure of Ukrainian navy ships.

Russia said on Wednesday it would send more of its advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Crimea and a Reuters reporter saw a Russian warship deploying nearby as tensions with Ukraine rose over Moscow's seizure of Ukrainian navy ships. Russia has steadily poured new military hardware into Crimea since it annexed it from Ukraine in 2014, turning it into what Kremlin-backed media have called a fortress. Moscow's announcement about new missiles follows its seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels and their crews on Sunday over what it said was their illegal entry into Russian waters, something Ukraine denies. Kiev introduced martial law in parts of the country after the incident, saying it feared a possible Russian invasion. The episode risks derailing a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 in Argentina later this week. Trump said on Tuesday that he might cancel the meeting due to the incident, but the Kremlin said on Wednesday it thought it was still on. Vadim Astafyev, a spokesman for Russia's southern military district, was cited by Russian news agencies on Wednesday as saying that a new battalion of S-400 missiles would be delivered to Crimea soon and become operational by the end of the year. The deployment is likely to have been long-planned, but the timing of the announcement appeared designed to send a message to Ukraine and the West that Russia is serious about defending what it regards as its own territory and waters. Crimea already hosts three battalions of the anti-aircraft missile systems which have a range of up to 400 km (250 miles) allowing Russia to control large swaths of the skies above the Black Sea. Minesweeper The new deployment would allow it to increase its air defence coverage area. The United States has previously said that Russia's deployment of the missile systems to Crimea is "not good". Separately, a Reuters correspondent in Crimea on Wednesday observed a Russian navy minesweeper ship, the Vice-Admiral Zakharin, heading for the Sea of Azov, which is used by both Ukraine and Russia and is an area of growing tensions. Citing sources in Ukraine's ruling circles, Russia's Izvestia newspaper reported that Kiev had been trying to persuade Washington - so far unsuccessfully - to open a military base in Ukraine. Reuters could not independently confirm the report. Later on Wednesday, a Crimean court is due to order the detention of nine of the 24 captured Ukrainian sailors - including senior Ukrainian naval officers and at least one member of Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency. A court in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea, on Tuesday, ordered the other 15 Ukrainian sailors to be detained for two months pending a possible trial. All of the sailors face jail terms of up to six years if found guilty of what Moscow says was a plot to illegally cross the Russian border by trying to pass through the Russian-controlled Kerch Strait on Sunday without advance notice and ignoring calls to stop. Ukraine says its ships did nothing wrong and have every right to use the strait, the only gateway to the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea, without Russian permission.

Russia to deploy new missiles to Crimea as Ukraine tensions rise

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-confirms-seizing-three-ukrainian-naval-ships-off-crimea-179412">full-scale war</a>" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

The crisis also threatened growing diplomatic fallout with US President Donald Trump warning that he may cancel a long-awaited summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin.

Trump is scheduled to meet Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires at the end of this week, but he told The Washington Post that it would depend on the results of a report about the incident being prepared by his national security advisers.

"Maybe I won't have the meeting. Maybe I won't even have the meeting," he said.

In Ukraine, Poroshenko warned that the clash at sea could herald more drastic developments in the simmering Ukraine-Russia military standoff.

"I don't want anyone to think this is fun and games. Ukraine is under threat of full-scale war with Russia," the president said in an interview with national television.

The number of Russian units deployed along the Ukraine-Russian border has "grown dramatically" while the number of Russian tanks has tripled, Poroshenko said, citing intelligence reports but giving no precise timescale for the buildup.

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He spoke after Russian forces seized three of Kiev's ships off the coast of Crimea on Sunday and captured 24 Ukrainian sailors.

On Tuesday, a court in Simferopol, the main city in Russian-annexed Crimea, ordered 12 of the sailors to be held in pre-trial detention for two months. Three hospitalised sailors were also formally detained for two months. The rest are to appear in court on Wednesday.

The move stoked already high tensions between Moscow and Kiev, as Russia continues to accuse the sailors of crossing illegally into Russian waters and of ignoring warnings from its border guards.&nbsp;

Kiev has demanded the release of the sailors and urged Western allies to impose further sanctions on Moscow.&nbsp;

The US State Department on Tuesday termed Russia's actions "a dangerous escalation" and said Washington wants to see "our European allies doing more to assist Ukraine."

Putin warns of 'reckless acts' 
The incident was the first major confrontation at sea in the long-running conflict pitting Ukraine against Moscow and Russian-backed separatists in the country's east.

It has raised fears of a wider escalation -- in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 -- and prompted international calls for restraint.

Putin on Tuesday warned Ukraine against any "reckless acts" after Kiev declared martial law in response to Moscow's seizure of the navy vessels.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian parliament late on Monday voted in favour of Poroshenko's request for the introduction of martial law in border areas for 30 days.&nbsp;

This gives Ukrainian authorities the power to mobilise citizens with military experience, regulate the media and restrict public rallies in affected areas.

In a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday, Putin expressed "serious concern" over its introduction.

He said he hoped Berlin could intervene with Ukrainian authorities "to dissuade them from further reckless acts".

Moscow has accused Kiev of planning Sunday's confrontation as a provocation aimed at drumming up support for Poroshenko ahead of elections next year and convincing Western governments to impose further sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;

Putin said Kiev's actions were "clearly taken in view of the election campaign in Ukraine".

Sunday's incident has been playing out on Russian and Ukrainian television screens, with dramatic footage of Russian ships chasing down a Ukrainian tugboat that was trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;

Sailors on Russian TV 
Russian state television late on Monday aired footage of some of the captured sailors being questioned by Moscow's security services.&nbsp;

One of them is heard saying "the actions of the Ukrainian armed vessels in the Kerch Strait had a provocatory character" -- parroting the version of events put forward by Russian authorities.

Ukraine's naval commander, Igor Voronchenko, said the sailors were pressured into giving false evidence.&nbsp;

"I know these sailors, they were always professional. What they are saying now is not true," he told Ukrainian media.&nbsp;

Western governments have rallied behind Kiev in the dispute, accusing Russia of illegally blocking access to the Sea of Azov and of taking military action without justification.

The European Union, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and others expressed support for Kiev on Monday, in statements pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia denounced as "predictably anti-Russian".&nbsp;

The foreign minister of Austria, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said Tuesday that the bloc will next month consider further sanctions against Moscow over the flare-up.

"Everything depends on the accounts of events and the actions of both sides. But it will need to be reviewed," Karin Kneissl told reporters.

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for "maximum restraint," urging both sides "to take steps without delay to contain this incident and reduce tensions".

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday warned of the threat of "full-scale war" and said Russia had sharply increased its military presence on their shared border as tensions escalate between the ex-Soviet neighbours. The crisis also threatened growing diplomatic fallout with US President Donald Trump warning that he may cancel a long-awaited summit with Russia's Vladimir Putin. Trump is scheduled to meet Putin at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires at the end of this week, but he told The Washington Post that it would depend on the results of a report about the incident being prepared by his national security advisers. "Maybe I won't have the meeting. Maybe I won't even have the meeting," he said. In Ukraine, Poroshenko warned that the clash at sea could herald more drastic developments in the simmering Ukraine-Russia military standoff. "I don't want anyone to think this is fun and games. Ukraine is under threat of full-scale war with Russia," the president said in an interview with national television. The number of Russian units deployed along the Ukraine-Russian border has "grown dramatically" while the number of Russian tanks has tripled, Poroshenko said, citing intelligence reports but giving no precise timescale for the buildup. × He spoke after Russian forces seized three of Kiev's ships off the coast of Crimea on Sunday and captured 24 Ukrainian sailors. On Tuesday, a court in Simferopol, the main city in Russian-annexed Crimea, ordered 12 of the sailors to be held in pre-trial detention for two months. Three hospitalised sailors were also formally detained for two months. The rest are to appear in court on Wednesday. The move stoked already high tensions between Moscow and Kiev, as Russia continues to accuse the sailors of crossing illegally into Russian waters and of ignoring warnings from its border guards. Kiev has demanded the release of the sailors and urged Western allies to impose further sanctions on Moscow. The US State Department on Tuesday termed Russia's actions "a dangerous escalation" and said Washington wants to see "our European allies doing more to assist Ukraine." Putin warns of 'reckless acts' The incident was the first major confrontation at sea in the long-running conflict pitting Ukraine against Moscow and Russian-backed separatists in the country's east. It has raised fears of a wider escalation -- in a conflict that has killed more than 10,000 people since 2014 -- and prompted international calls for restraint. Putin on Tuesday warned Ukraine against any "reckless acts" after Kiev declared martial law in response to Moscow's seizure of the navy vessels. The Ukrainian parliament late on Monday voted in favour of Poroshenko's request for the introduction of martial law in border areas for 30 days. This gives Ukrainian authorities the power to mobilise citizens with military experience, regulate the media and restrict public rallies in affected areas. In a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel Tuesday, Putin expressed "serious concern" over its introduction. He said he hoped Berlin could intervene with Ukrainian authorities "to dissuade them from further reckless acts". Moscow has accused Kiev of planning Sunday's confrontation as a provocation aimed at drumming up support for Poroshenko ahead of elections next year and convincing Western governments to impose further sanctions on Russia. Putin said Kiev's actions were "clearly taken in view of the election campaign in Ukraine". Sunday's incident has been playing out on Russian and Ukrainian television screens, with dramatic footage of Russian ships chasing down a Ukrainian tugboat that was trying to pass through the Kerch Strait from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov. Sailors on Russian TV Russian state television late on Monday aired footage of some of the captured sailors being questioned by Moscow's security services. One of them is heard saying "the actions of the Ukrainian armed vessels in the Kerch Strait had a provocatory character" -- parroting the version of events put forward by Russian authorities. Ukraine's naval commander, Igor Voronchenko, said the sailors were pressured into giving false evidence. "I know these sailors, they were always professional. What they are saying now is not true," he told Ukrainian media. Western governments have rallied behind Kiev in the dispute, accusing Russia of illegally blocking access to the Sea of Azov and of taking military action without justification. The European Union, Britain, Canada, France, Germany and others expressed support for Kiev on Monday, in statements pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia denounced as "predictably anti-Russian". The foreign minister of Austria, which holds the rotating EU presidency, said Tuesday that the bloc will next month consider further sanctions against Moscow over the flare-up. "Everything depends on the accounts of events and the actions of both sides. But it will need to be reviewed," Karin Kneissl told reporters. UN chief Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called for "maximum restraint," urging both sides "to take steps without delay to contain this incident and reduce tensions".

Ukraine warns of threat of 'full-scale war' with Russia

WION Gravitas: Russia-Ukraine tensions spike

As tensions between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russia-rams-navy-tugboat-off-crimea-179358"> Ukraine and Russia continued</a> to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it.

Russian President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-signs-decree-to-introduce-martial-law-amid-tensions-with-russia-179605">Vladimir Putin expressed</a> "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation. Putin called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and requested her to intervene.

"We do not like what's happening, either way we don't like what's happening and hopefully they'll get straight," the US president said, adding, "I know Europe is not they are not thrilled, they're working on it too."

"We're all working on it together," Trump said.

The situation turned into an ugly spat after Russia refused to return the two armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat which was involved in a skirmish with the Russian Navy. &nbsp;

President Petro Poroshenko on Monday pressed for a decree to impose martial law in the country, a move which was backed by Ukrainian lawmakers today.

The martial law will be imposed for the next 30 days in areas vulnerable to attack by Russia. Relations between the two countries nosedived after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 setting off a cold war-like situation.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called Russia to free Ukrainian ships and sailors while emphasising freedom of navigation for Ukraine in the sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. 
&nbsp; 
"There is no justification for the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel," Stoltenberg said.

Ukraine has put its military on high alert after its ships were involved in a clash in the Sea of Azov. Kiev has urged Western nations to consider further sanctions against Moscow.

Russia, on the other hand, has reiterated that Ukraine provoked the situation by entering its territory. Russia reopened the Kerch Strait near Crimea Sea of Azov on Monday even as tensions continued to boil. Russian jet fighters flew over a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula&nbsp;

Kerch Strait links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, dividing Crimea from southern Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the Ukrainian vessels of illegally intruding into Russian territorial waters and of ignoring attempts by Russian border guards to contact them.&nbsp;

As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continued to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation.

As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continued to simmer, US President Trump said he wasn't happy about it. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "serious concern" on the current Ukraine-Russia situation. Putin called German Chancellor Angela Merkel and requested her to intervene. "We do not like what's happening, either way we don't like what's happening and hopefully they'll get straight," the US president said, adding, "I know Europe is not they are not thrilled, they're working on it too." "We're all working on it together," Trump said. The situation turned into an ugly spat after Russia refused to return the two armoured artillery vessels and a tug boat which was involved in a skirmish with the Russian Navy. President Petro Poroshenko on Monday pressed for a decree to impose martial law in the country, a move which was backed by Ukrainian lawmakers today. The martial law will be imposed for the next 30 days in areas vulnerable to attack by Russia. Relations between the two countries nosedived after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 setting off a cold war-like situation. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg called Russia to free Ukrainian ships and sailors while emphasising freedom of navigation for Ukraine in the sea of Azov and Kerch Strait. "There is no justification for the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel," Stoltenberg said. Ukraine has put its military on high alert after its ships were involved in a clash in the Sea of Azov. Kiev has urged Western nations to consider further sanctions against Moscow. Russia, on the other hand, has reiterated that Ukraine provoked the situation by entering its territory. Russia reopened the Kerch Strait near Crimea Sea of Azov on Monday even as tensions continued to boil. Russian jet fighters flew over a bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Crimean Peninsula Kerch Strait links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, dividing Crimea from southern Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused the Ukrainian vessels of illegally intruding into Russian territorial waters and of ignoring attempts by Russian border guards to contact them.

Watch: Don't like Russia-Ukraine situation, Europe and US working on it, says Trump

Watch: WION Gravitas, 26th November, 2018

Watch: WION Dispatch, 26th November, 2018

Russia-Ukraine stand-off: Demonstrators protest ahead of vote on Marital law at Ukraine parliament

Ukraine's navy said that Russia's border guards rammed one of its&nbsp;tugboats in the Black Sea off Moscow-annexed Crimea on Sunday in "openly aggressive actions."

Ukraine said the incident took place as three of its ships including two small warships were heading for the port of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov, an area of heightened tensions between the countries.

Russia accused Kiev of illegally entering its waters and deliberately provoking a conflict.&nbsp;

Russia claims the waters off Crimea after annexing the peninsula in 2014.

A Russian border guard ship, the Don, "rammed into our tugboat," the Ukrainian navy said, adding that this caused damage to its engine, outer shell and guardrail.

Russia's ships "carried out openly aggressive actions against Ukrainian naval ships," it said.

It said the ships were continuing on their way "despite Russia's counteraction."

Russia's FSB security service, which oversees the border guard service, said in a statement quoted by Russian news agencies that the Ukrainian ships "illegally entered a temporarily closed area of Russian territorial waters."

It said Ukraine's ships were carrying out "provocative actions" and "their aim is clear: to create a conflict situation in this region."

Ukraine said it gave Russia advance warning of its ships' route, however. Its ships are obliged to take this route to reach the Sea of Azov.&nbsp; 
The latest incident comes after the Ukrainian navy in September complained of "acts of provocation" by Russian border guards against its ships taking the same route.

Ukraine has increased the number of navy ships and border guard patrols in the Sea of Azov, which is reached via the Kerch Strait between Crimea and Russia.

Kiev says its naval buildup is due to Russia stepping up controls in the area this year and carrying out lengthy checks on commercial shipping.

Kiev and the West have accused Moscow of deliberately blocking ships from accessing Mariupol, which has vital access to heavy industry in the region.

Mariupol is close to the region of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed separatists in a conflict that has caused at least 10,000 deaths since 2014.&nbsp;

Ukraine's navy said that Russia's border guards rammed one of its tugboats in the Black Sea off Moscow-annexed Crimea on Sunday in "openly aggressive actions." Ukraine said the incident took place as three of its ships including two small warships were heading for the port of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov, an area of heightened tensions between the countries.

Ukraine's navy said that Russia's border guards rammed one of its tugboats in the Black Sea off Moscow-annexed Crimea on Sunday in "openly aggressive actions." Ukraine said the incident took place as three of its ships including two small warships were heading for the port of Mariupol in the Sea of Azov, an area of heightened tensions between the countries. Russia accused Kiev of illegally entering its waters and deliberately provoking a conflict. Russia claims the waters off Crimea after annexing the peninsula in 2014. A Russian border guard ship, the Don, "rammed into our tugboat," the Ukrainian navy said, adding that this caused damage to its engine, outer shell and guardrail. Russia's ships "carried out openly aggressive actions against Ukrainian naval ships," it said. It said the ships were continuing on their way "despite Russia's counteraction." Russia's FSB security service, which oversees the border guard service, said in a statement quoted by Russian news agencies that the Ukrainian ships "illegally entered a temporarily closed area of Russian territorial waters." It said Ukraine's ships were carrying out "provocative actions" and "their aim is clear: to create a conflict situation in this region." Ukraine said it gave Russia advance warning of its ships' route, however. Its ships are obliged to take this route to reach the Sea of Azov. The latest incident comes after the Ukrainian navy in September complained of "acts of provocation" by Russian border guards against its ships taking the same route. Ukraine has increased the number of navy ships and border guard patrols in the Sea of Azov, which is reached via the Kerch Strait between Crimea and Russia. Kiev says its naval buildup is due to Russia stepping up controls in the area this year and carrying out lengthy checks on commercial shipping. Kiev and the West have accused Moscow of deliberately blocking ships from accessing Mariupol, which has vital access to heavy industry in the region. Mariupol is close to the region of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed separatists in a conflict that has caused at least 10,000 deaths since 2014.

Ukraine says Russia rams navy tugboat off Crimea

Several users' details have been compromised after hackers gained access to their private messages, the BBC reported.&nbsp;

Most of the users are based in Ukraine and Russia but some were also from the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere, the report said on Friday.

Nearly 120 million Facebook accounts have been hacked and they published messages from 81,000 accounts for generating money.

The breach was first discovered in September and the messages were reportedly obtained through unnamed rogue browser extensions.

Facebook, however, commented that its systems were not breached as part of the hack.

"We have contacted browser-makers to ensure that known malicious extensions are no longer available to download in their stores," Guy Rose, Vice President of Product Management at Facebook, was quoted as saying.

"We have also contacted law enforcement and have worked with local authorities to remove the website that displayed information from Facebook accounts."

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is Facebook's lead privacy regulator in Europe, has opened a formal investigation into this data breach that could result in a fine of $1.63 billion.

Several users' details have been compromised after hackers gained access to their private messages, the BBC reported. Most of the users are based in Ukraine and Russia but some were also from the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere, the report said on Friday.

Several users' details have been compromised after hackers gained access to their private messages, the BBC reported. Most of the users are based in Ukraine and Russia but some were also from the UK, US, Brazil and elsewhere, the report said on Friday. Nearly 120 million Facebook accounts have been hacked and they published messages from 81,000 accounts for generating money. The breach was first discovered in September and the messages were reportedly obtained through unnamed rogue browser extensions. Facebook, however, commented that its systems were not breached as part of the hack. "We have contacted browser-makers to ensure that known malicious extensions are no longer available to download in their stores," Guy Rose, Vice President of Product Management at Facebook, was quoted as saying. "We have also contacted law enforcement and have worked with local authorities to remove the website that displayed information from Facebook accounts." Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), which is Facebook's lead privacy regulator in Europe, has opened a formal investigation into this data breach that could result in a fine of $1.63 billion.

Hackers gain access to 120 miilion Facebook users' private messages: Report

&nbsp;The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US&nbsp;over the prospect of such a summit.

President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin.

"We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow.

It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year.

Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more.

"It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said.

Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US&nbsp;presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain.

Putin last held a meeting with a US&nbsp;president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN&nbsp;General Assembly.

Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit.

Trump has said it is in US&nbsp;interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however.

Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.

Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise."

"One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton.

"I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit.

The White House has formally invited President Vladimir Putin to Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Friday, returning to an idea that was put on hold in July amid anger in the US over the prospect of such a summit. President Donald Trump held a summit with Putin in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, and then issued Putin an invitation to visit Washington in the autumn. But that was postponed after Trump was accused of cozying up to the Kremlin. "We have invited President Putin to Washington," Bolton said at a news conference during a visit to ex-Soviet Georgia, days after meeting Putin and senior security officials in Moscow. It was not immediately clear if Putin had accepted the invitation, which is for next year. Bolton, in a separate interview with Reuters, strongly criticised Russian foreign policy, saying Moscow's behaviour on the world stage was one of the reasons Washington had imposed sanctions on Russia and was now considering imposing more. "It will be helpful if they (the Russians) stop interfering in our election ... get out of Crimea and the Donbass in Ukraine ... stop using illegal chemical weapons to conduct assassination attempts against Russian exiles in the West, and if they would be less intrusive in the Middle East," he said. Russia denies meddling in the 2016 US presidential election, sending soldiers and equipment to eastern Ukraine, and has rejected Western allegations it was behind the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Britain. Putin last held a meeting with a US president on American soil in 2015 when he met Barack Obama on the sidelines of a UN General Assembly. Trump's earlier invitation to Putin sparked an outcry in Washington, including from lawmakers in Trump's Republican party, who argued that Putin was an adversary not worthy of a White House visit. Trump has said it is in US interests to establish a solid working relationship with Putin however. Trump and Putin plan to hold a bilateral meeting in Paris on Nov. 11 on the sidelines of events to commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One. Bolton said that the Paris meeting would be brief and more of "a base-touching exercise." "One of the most important subjects they will discuss is whether President Putin will accept President Trump's invitation to come to Washington or will President Putin once again extend his invitation to President Trump to go to Moscow," said Bolton. "I think what President Trump would like would be more of an opportunity to discuss the issues at length and we'll have to see when it gets on the schedule."

US invites Putin to Washington, but says get out of Ukraine

The European Parliament awarded its annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday to Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker jailed in Russia. 
 
EU lawmakers said they supported his protests against the 2014 Russian annexation of Sentsov's native Ukraine. 
 
Now aged 42, he was jailed for 20 years on terrorism charges, he says are politically motivated. He staged a long hunger strike this year. 
 
The Sakharov Prize is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, a nuclear physicist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 for his efforts to stand up for civil rights. 
 
Parliament President Antonio Tajani told the legislature in Strasbourg that the award recognised Sentsov`s courage. 
 
Saying he was in poor health after his hunger strike, Tajani added: "We call upon the authorities to release him immediately." 
&nbsp;

The European Parliament awarded its annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday to Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker jailed in Russia. EU lawmakers said they supported his protests against the 2014 Russian annexation of Sentsov's native Ukraine.

The European Parliament awarded its annual Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on Thursday to Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker jailed in Russia. EU lawmakers said they supported his protests against the 2014 Russian annexation of Sentsov's native Ukraine. Now aged 42, he was jailed for 20 years on terrorism charges, he says are politically motivated. He staged a long hunger strike this year. The Sakharov Prize is named after Soviet dissident Andrei Sakharov, a nuclear physicist who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 for his efforts to stand up for civil rights. Parliament President Antonio Tajani told the legislature in Strasbourg that the award recognised Sentsov`s courage. Saying he was in poor health after his hunger strike, Tajani added: "We call upon the authorities to release him immediately."

Jailed Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov wins EU rights award

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hailed the decision despite protests from Russia.

"A decision to grant Ukraine autocephaly has been made," Poroshenko said in televised remarks. "This is a victory of good over evil, light over darkness," he said, adding Ukraine has been waiting for this "historic event" for more than 330 years.

Moscow had earlier opposed the country's bid to establish an independent church outside Russia's control. It said that the step may lead to a split in orthodox Christianity.

Russia strongly warned against the move, with the powerful head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill travelling to Istanbul earlier this year in a bid to dissuade the patriarchate from taking the step.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople.

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hailed the decision despite protests from Russia. "A decision to grant Ukraine autocephaly has been made," Poroshenko said in televised remarks. "This is a victory of good over evil, light over darkness," he said, adding Ukraine has been waiting for this "historic event" for more than 330 years. Moscow had earlier opposed the country's bid to establish an independent church outside Russia's control. It said that the step may lead to a split in orthodox Christianity. Russia strongly warned against the move, with the powerful head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill travelling to Istanbul earlier this year in a bid to dissuade the patriarchate from taking the step. (With inputs from AFP)

Patriarchate recognises Ukrainian Church independence, risking Russian ire

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