Ukraine-Russia Confrontation: Russia releases videos of Ukrainian sailors 'confessing'

World
Europe

02:21

Tensions are escalating after Russia seized three of Ukraine's naval ships. Moscow released videos of Ukrainian sailors "admitting" to provocations. But officials in Kiev and many in the West, believe the confessions were forced. CGTN's Dan Ashby has more from Moscow.

The tired face of a Ukrainian sailor, captured by Russia off Crimea, and filmed admitting to this, "We ignored warnings from Russia, and went into their territory."

Russia says this proves that Ukraine tried to illegally sail into its shores, and explains why Russian ships rammed, shot at and captured the vessels. Now Moscow wants the West to restrain Kiev.

SERGEY LAVROV RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER "If the Ukrainian side, like its partners in Europe, is interested in avoiding such situations in the future, it is obviously necessary to send a signal to Kiev not to allow such provocations."

But there is little chance of that. Ukraine, the EU and US all say Russia is the aggressor. And that the sailors' so-called "confession" was forced. They want de-escalation, fast.

JEAN-YVES LE DRIAN FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER "I told Sergey Lavrov that a gesture is expected from Russia, that the prisoners and the boats being held must be freed as soon as possible, but I will also call my Ukrainian counterpart to encourage him to seek a de-escalation in this region."

But it has been a spark to a tinder-keg. Ukraine's President has decreed martial law. And Estonia wants more sanctions against Russia. In Moscow, they hope it won't happen.

ANDREY KORTUNOV RUSSIAN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL "They might target a number of Russian individuals, they might target institutions, but I don't expect too much to happen, if the situation stays as it stays right now."

But all the while, Moscow continues to keep the sailors in jail.

DAN ASHBY MOSCOW "Years of tension between Moscow and Kiev make this confrontation especially volatile. There is no sign yet of further military escalation, but it is a reminder of how easily a situation can deteriorate. Dan Ashby, CGTN, Moscow."