The Ukrainian government has begun military operations against Russia after the latter seized three Ukrainian vessels.
On November 26th, Russia seized three Ukrainian vessels and their crews in the Kerch Strait, a waterway that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. The Kerch Strait is not under Russian control, but it is under Russian jurisdiction. The incident has prompted Ukraine to begin military operations against Russia, who they believe are responsible for violating international law.
What happened?
The incident began when a Russian coast guard vessel rammed into and opened fire on three Ukrainian ships that were traveling through the Kerch Strait on Sunday. The ships were traveling from Odessa to Mariupol in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region when they were attacked by the Russians. A total of 24 crew members were captured by Russia and held in custody until they could be tried for violating international law. On November 28th, Ukraine began its counterattack against Russia by launching artillery strikes at Russian positions in Crimea.
Why is this happening?
Ukraine says that this attack was an act of aggression on behalf of Russia, who they believe violated international law by opening fire on their ships without provocation. They also say that this attack was ordered directly by President Vladimir Putin himself.
“The Kremlin made a decision to engage in open confrontation with Ukraine,” said Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko.
“They are not stopping at anything,” he added.
“Russia’s leadership must be held accountable.”
