Ukraine bars Russian men from entry amid tensions
Ukraine yesterday barred Russian men aged 16-60 from entry as tensions mounted between the two countries over Moscow's seizure of three Ukrainian ships last week.
The move came after Kiev imposed martial law in border regions this week in response to the Russian seizure of the ships and 24 sailors off Moscow-annexed Crimea.
The incident was the most dangerous in years between the ex-Soviet neighbours -- who are locked in conflict over Russian-backed separatist regions -- and has raised fears of a wider escalation.
"As of today, entry is restricted for foreigners -- in the first instance for male citizens of the Russian Federation age 16 to 60," the head of the border service Petro Tsyhykal said at a meeting with President Petro Poroshenko that was broadcast live.
Poroshenko said the restriction will not apply to "humanitarian cases."
Moscow slammed the move, but said it will not impose similar restrictions on Ukrainians.
Moscow and Kiev have traded angry accusations since Russian navy vessels fired on, boarded and captured the three Ukrainian ships last Sunday.
Courts in Crimea sentenced the 24 Ukrainian sailors to two months detention, despite international calls for their release.
US President Donald Trump scrapped a planned meeting at the G20 summit with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin over Moscow's detention of the sailors.
Russia insists they crossed into Russian waters illegally, with Putin saying the border guards "fulfilled their military duty" in seizing the ships.
European leaders this week rebuffed calls from Ukraine for greater support against Russia, after Kiev urged Nato to send ships into waters disputed with Moscow.
European Council President Donald Tusk yesterday said the bloc will extend its existing economic sanctions on Russia next month.
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