Ukrainian president denies blockade of Crimea

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said at a press conference in Kiev today that there was no blockade of Crimea, only measures to prevent saboteur groups from entering the country's territory, RIA Novosti reports.

Poroshenko added that the government will do its best to protect citizens. Inspections will be more scrupulous.

Ukrainian Railways blocked rail connections with Crimea. Bus connections with the peninsula were closed on December 26 for security reasons. Ukraine closed two crossing posts on the Crimean border on Saturday. Ukraine reduced the power supply to the peninsula.