On 30 November 2018 during the Group of Seven (G7) meeting, the heads of the Ministries of foreign affairs of these countries condemned the actions of Russian in the Kerch Straight and called on Russia to release the Ukrainian sailors and vessels.

“We, the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, express our utmost concern about Russia’s actions against Ukraine in the Kerch Strait. There is no justification for Russia’s use of military force against Ukrainian ships and naval personnel”, the statement says.

The ministers urged restraint, due respect for international law, and the prevention of any further escalation. “We call on Russia to release the detained crew and vessels and refrain from impeding lawful passage through the Kerch Strait”.

the G7, once again reiterated that ‎they did not, and would never, recognize Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula, and they reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.‎”