Russian President Vladimir Putin has blamed Kyiv for a confrontation in which the Russian coast guard rammed and fired at Ukrainian naval vessels, asserting that Ukraine deliberately provoked the clash in an effort by President Petro Poroshenko to boost his popularity ahead of a reelection bid.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
RFE/RL: Putin accuses Poroshenko of electoral ploy as Ukraine imposes martial law after sea clash
Ukrainian soldier patrols aboard military boat called "Dondass" moored in Mariupol, Sea of Azov port on Nov. 27, 2018.
