Summary
Ukraine called Friday before an international tribunal for the "urgent" release of its sailors held by Russia since their naval vessels were captured off Crimea last November.
Ukraine's deputy foreign minister Olena Zerkal, addressing the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea in the German city of Hamburg, called for the immediate release of the 24 sailors being held in Moscow.
Russia accuses the Ukrainian sailors of violating its maritime borders.
"From the moment of the detentions, Ukraine has worked urgently to solve this matter", said Zerkal who insisted her country has given "Russia every opportunity to settle the issue by diplomatic means".
She described Russia's conduct as "a profound violation" of "international law" and demanded the "urgent" release of the sailors.
The Ukrainian sailors face up to six years in prison for illegally crossing Russian borders, lawyers have said.
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