Restraint required to prevent Kerch Strait row exploding

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia have escalated quickly this week, drawing global concern. The two parties need to exercise utmost restraint so as to prevent the situation from spinning out of control. After all, a war on any scale would not serve the interests of either.

The latest round of their long simmering spat was triggered by Russia's seizure of three Ukraine warships on Sunday near the Kerch Strait, which separates the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Russia said the Ukrainian ships ignored the warnings of its border guards and crossed into Russian waters without authorization, while the Ukrainian Navy said it informed Russia in advance about the passage of the vessels.

In the wake of Sunday's incident, the Ukrainian parliament adopted a bill on Monday, imposing a martial law in certain regions of the country for 30 days starting Wednesday.