Ukrainian Navy commander dismisses Russia’s provocation charge

Ukrainian Navy commander Admiral Ihor Voronchenko says Russia has no right to put the 24 captured sailors on trial as they were “prisoners of war, not some criminals involved in contraband or illegal fishing”.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Voronchenko said he had no doubt that Russia was behind the attack on three of his boats, saying, “I confirm with authority … we are sure the tactical decisions were not being taken by the commanders of the Russian ships.”

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Simmons reports from Ukraine’s main naval base in the Black Sea port of Odessa.