Abstract:

Russia’s attacks on and seizure of three Ukrainian naval vessels off the Crimean peninsula have reignited looming tensions in the Sea of Azov. This is the most serious confrontation between Ukraine and Russia since 2014, sparking concern over further military escalation ahead of key Ukrainian elections. On 27 November 2018, Ukraine’s Parliament (Verkhovna Rada) voted to declare martial law. The EU has condemned Russia’s use of force.