AKIPRESS.COM - Kazakhstan is concerned about the situation in the Kerch Strait, Kazakh foreign ministry said in a statement.

Kazakhstan called on Ukraine and Russia to prevent further escalation of tensions.

On Sunday, Russia captured three Ukrainian naval vessels and 23 crew members. The three ships were sailing off the coast of Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, when they were seized.

Russia opened fire, before its special forces stormed the vessels. Between three and six Ukrainians were injured.

Ukraine said it was a Russian "act of aggression".

Russia said the ships had illegally entered its waters.