GERMANY URGED TO ADD TROOPS IN BLACK SEA

MOSCOW Ukraine’s leader called on Germany and its allies to boost their naval presence in the Black Sea to deter Russia from further aggression in the region and said Russia was blockading Ukrainian ports on the nearby Sea of Azov.

President Petro Poroshenko says Russia has deployed a large number of troops along its border with Ukraine. He alleged in an interview published Sunday that Russia intends to push inland into Ukraine following a clash in the Black Sea between the countries’ forces.

“We need a strong, unified, unambiguous reaction to Russia’s aggressive behaviour,” Poroshenko said.

Citing the imminent threat of a Russian offensive, Poroshenko convinced the Ukrainian parliament to implement 30 days of martial law.

During the clash a week ago, Russian coast guard vessels fired upon and seized three Ukrainian naval boats and their 24 crew members.