Submitted by: Svenska Folkpartiet i Finland 

Liberal International is concerned by the situation in the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait. We strongly condemn the actions of the Russian Federation against Ukrainian vessels in these waters, in breach of international law and existing treaties between the countries signed in 2003.

We urge both sides to show restraint in the current situation to avoid escalation, which may pose a threat to the stability of European security. We call on both sides to be ready for an investigation establishing the facts of the case.

LI fully supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and its rights to use its territorial waters. We call on the immediate release of the ships and stress that  Russia must restore free passage at the Kerch strait. To avoid further skirmishes an extension of the mandate of the Special  monitoring mission of the OSCE in Ukraine should be considered.

In case this passage is not restored, the ships and the seamen are not  released, or the agreement is not respected, the EU and the rest of the international community must consider installing new sanctions against  Russia. Ukraine should in any case get assistance to build up a functioning    and modern coast guard.