Despite multiple accusations by opponents and suspicions that the President is trying to postpone the Presidential Elections, the Ukrainian parliament still voted for the introduction of martial law in Ukraine. It has been imposed not for 60 days as the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine proposed initially, but for 30 days. And not in the whole territory of Ukraine, but in the areas closest to Russia. This should rule out political speculations, explained the presidential administration. The elections will be held on time on March 31.
But after the incident with the seizure of Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait and the detention of Ukrainian sailors, Ukrainians are trying to mobilise the international community and to urge them to take a firm position in the conflict.
Different protest actions by the Russian embassies in Europe and the USA took place yesterday November 27. Ukrainians in Brussels demanded to put an end to aggression against their country and to release the captured sailors.
NEW SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA?
Although the real decisions are expected during the EU working hours, statements condemning the action of Russia have already been made in European institutions. Several European parliamentarians from the European People’s Party, the Green Party, European conservatives and reformists have already expressed their concern.
“We expect Russia to permanently restore the freedom of passage at the Kerch strait and urge all sides to de-escalate the situation immediately. The construction of the Kerch Bridge without Ukraine’s consent already constitutes a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and has led to the militarisation of the Azov Sea, as well as to the conflict escalating further” – a joint statement of deputies stated, signed by Rebecca Harms, David McAllister and others.
Russian aggression against Ukrainian seamen has no justification – concluded NATO. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke out clearly about this: the position of the Allies for 4 years of conflict in Ukraine has not changed.
“There is no justification for the use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel. So we call on Russia to release immediately the Ukrainian sailors and ships it seized yesterday. And we call for calm and restraint.This incident is a reminder that there is a war going on in Ukraine. It has been going on for more than 4 years. The Allied position has been consistent. Since 2014, all Allies have condemned Russia’s aggressive actions in Crimea and Eastern Ukraine”, – he said.
Russia’s actions have already been condemned by the governments of Germany, France, Britain, Romania, Poland and other European countries. The media now talks about new economic sanctions aimed to restrain Russian aggression in the Sea of Azov.
The European Parliament will discuss the situation of escalation in the Sea of Azov and Russian aggression in the coming days. In addition to the political and humanitarian factors, the economic element is no less important – because of the conflict in the Kerch Strait, Ukraine has become isolated from international maritime trade, and this seriously reduces its economic attractiveness.
Next week, November 30 – December 1, the G20 Summit will be held in Buenos Aires. It is likely that it will show how the international isolation of Russia will increase (or not) after recent events.
