The United Nations has called on Rusia and Ukraine to avoid any actions that could lead to a further escalation of the conflict.
Uni president Antonio Guterres told Russia's Tass news agency after the attack by a water drone on a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait.
"We have seen reports of the incident. The United Nations is unable to confirm this information. We strongly reiterate our call for all interested parties to refrain from any rhetoric or action that may further escalate the conflict," he said.
The statement was made by Mykhaylo Podolyak, the adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He tweeted that Guterres was a devil's advocate and did not respond when Russia attacked Ukrainian ports.
"I don't remember whether the UN Secretary-General spoke of the unacceptable escalation when Russia attacked the Ukrainian ports of Odessa and on the Danube. I don't remember if Mr. Antonio Guterres came out with a statement. Instead, when Ukraine responds effectively, many 'devil's advocates' immediately come out and demand the right to do so. "An immediate ceasefire and a de-escalation of the conflict."
"Does international law and the right to self-defense seem to work like this? Is this what the global security order looks like in the eyes of the United Nations? With an aggressor waging genocidal war on the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and a constant conviction not to resist?"