Kremlin: Putin told Trump about the attack on Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait
Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov said that the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G 20 summit lasted 10-15 minutes. During the conversation, Vladimir Putin stated his version of the situation in the Kerch Strait, reported RIA Novosti.
Ushakov said that the conversation took place during the reception. “During the reception, Trump went up to our president, and they had a conversation. Our president has already told the media about it. The main topic was the incident in the Kerch Strait. Our president described the incident in detail and explained our position. I would say that the US president listened attentively to our arguments,” Ushakov said.
In addition, he said that the presidents discussed the situation in Ukraine. “I cannot disclose all the details but they discussed the Kerch Strait and the situation in Ukraine,” Ushakov said.
On the morning of November 25, Ukraine informed the Russian port of its intention to transfer three ships through the Kerch Strait, as required by the Agreement on the joint use of the Azov Sea and Kerch Strait. However, at around 8:00 a.m., Russian ships carried out acts of provocation against the Ukrainian vessels, even ramming into the Yany Kapu tugboat.
Russia later accused the Ukrainian ships of illegally entering its territorial waters, claiming that they were “maneuvering dangerously” and “not complying with the legitimate demands of the Russian authorities”. Russia also physically blocked the Kerch Strait with a transport ship. The Ukrainian ships decided to return to Odessa, but they were chased and subsequently attacked by the Russian military. The Berdiansk and Nikopol boats were hit, and two crew members were wounded. All three of the ships were seized by Russia.
On November 28, the Kremlin-controlled court of Simferopol placed the Ukrainian sailors under 2 months of arrest – until January 25, 2019.