MILAN- Dec 7 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian sailors detained in the Kerch Strait feel decent, consular access has been provided, and a court will decide on their future, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference in Milan on Friday.
"They are under investigation; our human rights commissioner visits them, and consular access has been provided. They feel alright. There is no threat to their health," Lavrov said.
A journalist asked Lavrov when Russia might set the sailors free. "As for time, once the court proceeding is over, Russian law provides a variety of options. Then we'll be able to discuss ways to ease their lots or agree on concrete steps," he said.
"But that will happen only after the court proceeding is over," he said.
The Ukrainian sailors "breached international and Russian law, illegally crossed into Russian territorial waters, refused to leave, and did not respond to calls," Lavrov said.
"It's a crime, and I believe it would be considered such in any country. For instance, there is an order to shoot anyone who illegally crosses the border between Mexico and the United States. We did not act in such manner," he said.