In the Black Sea, under the legend of conducting exercises, a group of ships of several NATO countries has been formed, which theoretically could be used to cover up a new Ukrainian provocation near the Kerch Strait.
The Russian Nezavisimaya Gazeta writes about this, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“The alliance ships are either searching for mines in the waters, or are preparing to cover up another Ukrainian “Kerch breakthrough,” the publication states, noting that the German flagship ship FGS Werra, minesweepers of Turkey (Akzakoca), Romania (Lupu Dinescu) are taking part in the exercises. and Bulgaria (Tsibar). Also to the Black Sea The US guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook entered with Tomahawks on board.
German flagship ship FGS Werra
Theoretically, the alliance can constantly keep Russia in suspense by strengthening the group in the Black Sea, but this will require costs, says Captain 1st Rank Oleg Shvedkov, a representative of the All-Russian Union of Military Personnel
“A group of NATO ships can operate near the borders of Russia on a permanent basis by rotating ships so as not to violate the Montreux Convention,” he recalled.
In general, the publication notes, Ukraine in 2019 can conduct a record number of maneuvers together with NATO - this is evidenced by the draft submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for the admission of foreign troops to the country’s territory for maneuvers.
“Kyiv is striving for a record in the number of joint exercises with NATO countries,” the newspaper writes.