EU voices support for Ukraine over Kerch Strait tensions

-
The European Council on Thursday voiced its support for Ukraine regarding tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the Kerch Strait and the Azov Sea but announced no further measures against Russia.
Heads of the European Union (EU) states and governments met on Thursday, the first day of their two-day summit, in Brussels. Conclusions from the first day addressed the ongoing standoff between Russia and Ukraine, and attributed the acts of Russia to "violations of international law."
"There is no justification for the use of military force by Russia," said the European Council, demanding the immediate release of all detained Ukrainian sailors, the return of the seized vessels and free passage of all ships through the Kerch Strait which controls access to the Azov Sea near Crimea.
"The EU stands ready to adopt measures to strengthen further its support, in particular in favor of the affected areas of Ukraine," said the European Council.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted a non-biding resolution calling on the EU and its member states to introduce targeted sanctions against Russia "if the Ukrainian servicemen are not released and if there is any further military escalation."
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have been escalating since last month when Russia seized three Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait, saying the Ukrainian ships breached its border.
The Ukraine side called Russia's actions an "act of aggression" and imposed a martial law in certain regions of the country for 30 days starting November 28.

Popular posts from this blog

Donald Trump Reacts To Blasey Ford-Kavanaugh Hearing

-
Image
President  Donald Trump  tweeted his support of   Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh  Thursday after Kavanaugh testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee to address Christine Blasey Ford ’s allegation that he sexually assaulted her. Donald J. Trump ✔ @realDonaldTrump Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him. His testimony was powerful, honest, and riveting. Democrats’ search and destroy strategy is disgraceful and this process has been a total sham and effort to delay, obstruct, and resist. The Senate must vote. The president was noticeably silent on Twitter throughout the daylong hearing, during which both Blasey and Kavanaugh offered tearful testimony. Immediately after the hearing ended, Trump called Kavanaugh’s testimony “powerful, honest and riveting,” while calling Blasey’s accusations part of a political tactic by Democrats.  He echoed Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who during the hearing went on a tangent about Bl
Read more

Learn about the mysterious mandarin duck in New York's Central Park

-
Image
In his recent post, David Barrett, the owner of the Tweeter account “Manhattan Bird Alert”, announced that a mandarin duck has been spotted in Central Park's pond, stirring up discussions in New York City. Previous Male mandarin ducks have stunning pluamge. /VCG Photo A beautiful mandarin duck is paddling in the water. /VCG Photo Male mandarin ducks have stunning pluamge. /VCG Photo A beautiful mandarin duck is paddling in the water. /VCG Photo Next This glamorously colored duck is native to eastern Asia, and it remains unknown how it manages to make its surprising appearance in the Central Park's pond.   Mandarin ducks are very common in China and Japan, and they are known for the males' vibrantly colored plumage. However, while the males' stunning plumage becomes a long-lasting inspiration for Asian artists throughout the history, the female mandarin ducks are surprisingly plain in their appearances. The mandarin ducks appear in pairs
Read more