Kremlin rebuffs call to release Ukrainian sailors - Vedomosti

FILE PHOTO: Seized Ukrainian ships are seen anchored in the port of Kerch, Crimea, Nov. 26, 2018. REUTERS/Pavel Rebrov/File Photo

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said an investigation and trial of 24 Ukrainian sailors captured by Russia in the Black Sea must be completed despite an international maritime tribunal calling for their release, the Vedomosti newspaper reported late on Sunday.

The Russian navy captured the Ukrainian sailors and their three vessels in the Kerch Strait, which links the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, on Nov. 25, 2018, after opening fire on them.