Ukraine detains Russian tanker for blocking Ukrainian ships in November

Ukraine has detained a Russian tanker for blocking Ukrainian ships in Kerch Strait near Crimean peninsula during November tensions last year, according to media reports.

СБУ задержала российский танкер https://t.co/2yc2UGCM5M pic.twitter.com/d8DPVUjtzE

— РИА Новости (@rianru) July 25, 2019

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has said the Russian-flagged tanker NEYMA was involved in Kerch Strait incident of November and entered Ukraine's Izmail Port on Wednesday under a new name, NIKA SPIRIT. The security service has reportedly said a motion asking a court to seize the Russian vessel is being prepared whereas Moscow has threatened Ukraine with 'consequences' after the seizure.

On 25 November 2018 the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) coast guard fired upon and captured three Ukrainian Navy vessels attempting to pass from the Black Sea into the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait on their way to the port of Mariupol. This incident led to the capture of 24 Ukrainian sailors by the Russian Coast Guard.