Ukraine: Russia Accused of Imposing Sea Blockade
Ukraine has accused Russia of obstructing its access to the sea, as Russia prepares for naval exercises next week amid rising regional tensions. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, Russian forces have completely blocked the Sea of Azov and have cut off almost all access to the Black Sea.
Despite amassing more than 100,000 troops at the border, Russia has repeatedly denied any intention of invading Ukraine. However, it has only recently begun massive military drills with neighbouring Belarus. Belarus is a close Russian ally with a long border with Ukraine. The drills, which are believed to be Russia’s largest deployment to Belarus since the Cold War, were dubbed a “violent gesture” by France. Ukraine claims they are the result of “psychological pressure.”
The US urged Americans in Ukraine to leave immediately due to “increased threats of Russian military action” on 10th February. Meanwhile, amid the tensions, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that Europe was facing its worst security crisis in decades.
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