New EU Sanctions On Russia Show Disrespect Of Russia's Right To Protect Borders - Moscow

Muhammad Irfan Published March 16, 2019 | 03:19 PM

The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the European Union's move to impose new sanctions against Russian officials over the Kerch Strait incident showcased disrespect of Russia's right to protect its state border, stressing that Moscow would take responsive measures

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th March, 2019) The Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the European Union's move to impose new sanctions against Russian officials over the Kerch Strait incident showcased disrespect of Russia's right to protect its state border, stressing that Moscow would take responsive measures.

On Friday, the United States, Canada and the European Union slapped new sanctions on Russia over the situation in Ukraine, including over November's Kerch Strait incident, during which three Ukrainian vessels illegally crossed the Russian maritime border.

"It is regrettable that the European Union has de-facto taken the side of Kiev authorities who totally reversed the events that took place in the Kerch Strait in November ... This decision of the Council of the European Union showcases disrespect of the Russian Federation's right to protect its state border," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that the European Union has made an "irresponsible" choice, which would encourage Kiev to pursue its "policy of provocation," jeopardizing the security of Russia, Black Sea regional states and EU states as well.

"The Russian side will not leave the unfriendly act by the European Union without response," the ministry pledged.

On November 25, Ukraine's Berdyansk and Nikopol gunboats and the Yany Kapu tugboat illegally crossed the Russian maritime border as they sailed toward the Kerch Strait, the entrance to the Sea of Azov. Russia seized the Ukrainian vessels and detained their crew members after they failed to respond to a demand to stop. After the incident, a criminal case on illegal border crossing was opened in Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the incident was a provocation prepared in advance as a pretext to introduce martial law. Putin said the provocation could be linked to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's low approval ratings ahead of the presidential election.