Autonomous Republic of Crimea

Maintaining the status quo in the Black Sea provided by the Montreux Convention is of vital importance, Turkey's defense minister has said, calling on Ukraine and Russia to de-escalate tension and resolve problems through dialogue.

Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists in the east of the country today again accused each other of shelling and other ceasefire violations amid tensions and fears of a Russian invasion, Reuters reported.

Kyiv and the rebels blamed the escalation after artillery and mortar fire on Thursday.

"If Ukraine joins NATO and tries to retake Crimea by military means, European countries will automatically be in military conflict with Russia."

This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin after six hours of talks with French leader Emmanuel Macron.

The leaders of Turkey and France attempted to mediate in the Ukraine crisis on Thursday as Washington announced it had evidence of a Russian plan to fake a Ukrainian attack to justify invading its neighbour.

Russia's armed forces today launched a new series of exercises near Ukraine and annexed Crimea. The maneuvers involved 6,000 servicemen, as well as fighters and bombers, AFP reported, citing Russian news agencies.

The head of the German navy resigned late on Jan. 22 after coming under fire at home and abroad for comments he made on Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine Summoned the Bulgarian Ambassador due to President Radev's Statement on Crimea

"The United States welcomed the clarification of the position of Bulgarian President [Rumen] Radev yesterday, which confirmed that the country stands behind the territorial integrity of Ukraine and made it clear that Crimea belongs to Ukraine."

The United States is deeply concerned by statements by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, in which he describes Crimea as "Russian". This is stated in a statement issued by the US Embassy in Bulgaria.

Ukraine Summoned the Bulgarian Ambassador due to President Radev's Statement on Crimea

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's help for the release of Ukrainian citizens detained by Russia, the Ukrainian foreign minister said on Sep. 30. 

The results of the parliamentary elections held in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014, do not have legal validity for Turkey, the foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sept. 20.