Following the incident in Kerch Strait, Ukraine tried to draw Germany into a war. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel revealed this while voicing concerns over the situation in the Sea of Azov.
On November 25, three Ukrainian warships violated the rules of passage through Russia’s territorial sea when heading from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov. Despite repeated warnings and demands to stop, the Ukrainian vessels continued their way, forcing Russia to use weapons.
Gabriel criticized Kiev’s demands to send warships to the Black Sea and criticized its suggestions to close international ports for Russian vessels travelling from the Sea of Azov. He believes that Germany’s role should be to conduct efforts for de-escalation and mediation rather than to stir up a conflict. According to Tagesspiegel newspaper, he suggested taking advantage of a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
The tension between Russia and Ukraine is once again visible with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko denying the vessels had done anything wrong.
Last Sunday, he asked the parliament to declare martial law, which would limit civil liberties and give the state greater power. After the Kerch Strait incident, both countries requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting.
