Ukraine returns war law, Russia reacts

Moscow reacted to the decree that Ukraine's president signed yesterday to establish the war law after Russia took control of three Ukrainian ships in the Black Sea along with their crew Sunday.

Russia has blamed its neighbour, Ukraine, for exasperating tensions in this troubled region. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke in Paris today, where he rejected the idea of international mediation to ease the situation, suggested by the German foreign minister.

Western Allies have reacted by condemning the latest incident in the Black Sea, when on Sunday Russia fired and then took control of three Ukrainian ships and their crew, while sailing from the Port of Odessa on the Black Sea to the Port of Marioupolis on the Azov Sea.

At least six Ukrainian sailors were injured while their ships and crews continue to be held by the Russians. Ukraine has demanded their immediate return.

Ukrainian president reacted by decreeing the establishment of the war law:

“As president and as commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, I fulfilled constitutional duty and hours ago, by decree, proposed that the law of war be established throughout Ukraine starting from November 28th to 9th in the morning,” said President Petro Porosenko.

Parliament approved the president's request. It is the first time Kiev has taken such measures since the conflict with Russia erupted over Crime and the eastern part of Ukraine in 2014.

NATO and Western partners have voiced support for Ukraine and have condemned Moscow's actions.

We call on Russia to release the Ukrainian sailors and the ships he has taken. Also, we call for calm and caution,” the NATO secretary general said.