US unexpectedly announces $10 million in support for Ukraine's navy
The US State Department announced on December 21 that the US will provide an additional $10 million in military funding to Ukraine to support the country's navy after Russia seized three Ukrainian ships last month.
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| Ukrainian naval ships were seized at the port of Kerch, Crimea, Russia on November 26, 2018. Photo: AFP/ VNA |
The US State Department said the decision came after Lithuania and Britain increased security assistance to Ukraine following the November 25 seizure near the Kerch Strait.
The ministry stated: "The United States calls on Russia to immediately return the detained Ukrainian vessels and sailors, keep the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov open to ships traveling to and from Ukrainian ports, and respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity."
On November 25, Russia opened fire and seized Ukrainian ships and crews near the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in March 2014. The Kerch Strait is the only route to the Sea of Azov and controls access to two major Ukrainian ports./.
