Merkel and Macron demand release of Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia in November

Angela Merkel and Emmanuel Macron have demanded Russia release the 24 Ukrainian sailors captured last month in the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea with the Azov Sea.

Moscow said the sailors, who were captured along with their ships, were crossing the Russian border illegally. Ukraine, on the other hand, said Russia’s capture of the two small gunboats and one tugboat was illegal, accusing it of military aggression.

In a joint statement, the German Chancellor and French President said: “We demand safe, free and unimpeded transit for all ships through the Kerch Strait and the immediate and unconditional release of all illegally detained Ukrainian seafarers.”

“They too should be able to celebrate the upcoming festivities with their families,” they added.

"We demand safe, free and unimpeded transit for all ships through the Kerch Strait and the immediate and unconditional release of all illegally detained Ukrainian seafarers," Merkel and Macron said in a joint statement.

"They too should be able to celebrate the upcoming festivities with their families," they added.

“The human rights situation in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in violation of international law, and the use of military force by Russia in the Straits of Kerch and abusive controls in the Sea of ​​Azov are also a source of great concern to us.”

Kiev urged Western allies on Boxing Day to consider further sanctions against Moscow. Russia, who annexed the Ukrainian territory of Crimea in 2014, said Kiev is trying to provoke a diplomatic crisis.

A 2003 Russia-Ukraine treaty gives, in theory, unimpeded access to the Kerch Strait and Sea of Azov for both sides.

The strait is the only way to enter the Sea of Azov, which contains hundreds of kilometres of Ukrainian coastline.