BBC: Russia-Ukraine Tensions Rise

Russia is expanding control over Ukraine step by step – annexing Crimea in 2014, supporting militants in eastern Ukraine, inspecting vessels passing through the Kerch strait, and most recently opening fire on and confiscating three naval vessels off the Crimean coast. The Ukrainian vessels were trying to sail from the Black Sea port of Odessa to Mariupol in the Sea of Azov, and Russia’s control over Crimea essentially prevents Ukraine from sailing from one sea to the other. The law of the sea traditionally gives nations the right of continuous passage through such straits, and a 2003 Russia-Ukraine treaty also provides for unimpeded access to the strait and the Sea of Azov. Russia expressed concern for a bridge crossing the strait. “Sunday's clash between Russian and Ukrainian vessels marks a major escalation of tension between the two countries,” reports BBC News. “Ukraine said it was a Russian ‘act of aggression.’ Moscow said the ships had illegally entered its waters.” Ukraine considers martial law, which could restrict public demonstrations and media reports and even delay an election scheduled for March. Countries could add more sanctions for Russia or military support for Ukraine. NATO criticized Russia’s move and the UN Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting. Update: Ukraine approved martial law. – YaleGlobal