Ukraine bars Russian men

Ukraine has barred Russian men ages 16 to 60 from entering the country and has raided the Kiev home of an influential Russian Orthodox cleric — the latest escalations since the naval confrontation between the two nations this week near Crimea.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said on Friday that the travel ban would prevent Russians from entering and forming “private armies.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine announced Friday that its intelligence agency is investigating a Russian Orthodox Church cleric named “Father Pavlo” on suspicion that he is inciting a separatist movement.

The controversial cleric, who heads Kiev’s most influential monastery, decried in a live broadcast the raid on his home, The Associated Press reported.

Hostilities flared last Sunday when Russia fired on three Ukrainian navy vessels as they attempted to pass from the Black Sea through a Moscow-controlled strait and into the Sea of Azov.

Russian sailors captured the vessels and jailed the 24 crew members. The three captains are being interrogated in Moscow.

Also Friday, European Council President Donald Tusk said the European Union is likely to impose sanctions on Russia in response to the ships’ seizure.

“Europe is united in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Tusk said, calling the seizure “cause for great concern.”

Ukraine has been under martial law since Monday, allowing Poroshenko to control the media and limit peaceful protests and the movement of foreigners.

Poroshenko, speaking to reporters while dressed in combat fatigues Wednesday, promised “not to allow the enemy to attack Ukraine.”

The Ukrainian military is also conducting military drills along the Sea of Azov.