The United States is trying to turn the Black and Azov Seas into an anti-Russian springboard
The US State Department has satisfied the request of the Ukrainian government and approved the sale of up to 16 Mark VI patrol boats to the country.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Military Portal, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
In addition to the boats themselves, Ukraine will receive additional equipment and weapons for these vessels. The estimated cost of the “lot” is $600 million. In order for the deal to be finalized, it is still necessary to obtain approval from the US Senate.
“This sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States while enhancing the security of the partner country,” the statement said.
The Mark VI small armored boats can carry two 25mm gun mounts and two machine guns and perform amphibious assault, counter-sabotage and mine countermeasures missions depending on equipment configuration.
Deliveries of American boats to Ukraine create destabilization in the Azov-Black Sea region, executive director of the Institute of CIS Countries in Sevastopol, captain of the 1st rank in the reserve, Sergei Gorbachev, told PolitNavigator.
“These boats are high-speed, they are in some ways comparable to our Raptors, they are short-range boats that are ready to work along the coast. Taking into account the ruggedness of the coast and the specifics of the Crimean coast, this raises a number of questions, especially such a number. Plus, the possibility of transporting such boats on trailers to the Sea of Azov contributes to the militarization of the once completely demilitarized Black Sea zone...
All this goes to escalate socio-political and military-political tension in the region. The Americans cannot help but be aware that they are a destructive factor, turning the peaceful Black and Azov Seas into a springboard for possible actions that carry a “hot” option.”
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