KIEV, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Tuesday called for restraint and dialogue to de-escalate the tensions between Ukraine and Russia in the Sea of Azov.
Enzo Moavero Milanesi, the OSCE chairperson-in-office, said that the organization is extremely concerned over the reported developments in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.
"We call on all parties to contribute by political and diplomatic means to de-escalate the situation and ease tensions to avoid further risks of destabilization in the region," Milanesi was quoted as saying by the OSCE press service.
Meanwhile, the OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger urged Ukraine and Russia "to step back from any further provocations and immediately engage in dialogue" to prevent further escalation in the region.
On Sunday, the Ukrainian Navy said that Russian forces opened fire and seized three Ukrainian ships near the Kerch Strait, which separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, injuring six Ukrainian military sailors.
Russia's Federal Security Service said that the Ukrainian ships breached the Russian border, and conducted dangerous maneuvers in spite of Russia's orders.
The Ukrainian Navy said it has informed Russia in advance about the passage of Ukrainian vessels from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov through the Kerch Strait, calling Russia's actions an "act of aggression."
Relations between Russia and Ukraine have been deteriorating since Crimea was incorporated into Russia in March 2014 following a local referendum that was rejected by Kiev and Western countries.
