Russia moving missiles to Crimea amid Ukraine tensions

Russia is planning to move more anti-aircraft missiles to Crimea amid escalating tensions with Ukraine, the latest indication that the conflict between the two countries will continue to intensify, The Associated Press reported.

A top Russian Defense Ministry official, Col. Vadim Astafyev, told Interfax News Agency that Russia will soon have three anti-aircraft missile systems on the Crimean peninsula, according to the AP. The announcement comes on the heels of a weekend in which Russia fired on and seized Ukrainian ships off the coast of Crimea. 

{mosads}Ukraine says Russia fired on some of its ships in the Kerch Strait near Crimea, hitting two vessels and injuring two crew members. Russia then seized both ships and a tugboat, according to Ukraine.

Russia claims the Ukrainian ships were illegally sailing into Russian territorial waters, while Ukraine insists they were protected by international maritime rules.

The standoff marked the first overt military confrontation between the two countries, the AP noted, since the annexation of Crimea. The international community and some U.S. lawmakers have responded with pointed condemnation of Russia. 

President Trump on Monday responded to the conflict, saying the U.S. will cooperate with Europe to address escalating tensions. 

“We do not like what’s happening either way,” Trump told reporters. “We don’t like what’s happening, and hopefully it’ll get straightened out.” 

Russia annexed in Crimea in 2014 and considers the region part of its country. The U.S. has not recognized Russia’s annexation of Crimea as legitimate.