Russian President Vladimir Putin oversees the joint exercises of the North Sea and Black Sea fleets aboard warships. Photo/kremlin.ru
The TASS news agency quoted the information from the Russian Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) on Thursday (11/25/2021).
The maneuvers come at a time of high tension in the region, with Russia, Ukraine and NATO all conducting military exercises in recent weeks.
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Moreover, Moscow denies Kiev and Washington’s suspicions that Moscow is considering an invasion of Ukraine.
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The US Sixth Fleet said the USS Arleigh Burke had entered the Black Sea on a routine patrol, a day after Russia said it was conducting military exercises there involving warplanes and warships.
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“While in the Black Sea, the ship will operate alongside NATO allies and partners in the region, working together to ensure security and stability in this vital international waterway,” the US Sixth Fleet statement said.
Ukraine has been leaning west and away from Moscow’s orbit since 2014, when a pro-Russian president was ousted after mass protests.
Ukraine is not a member of NATO but enjoys support from Washington, including defense assistance and supplies of patrol boats and anti-tank weapons.
The Arleigh Burke mission follows a similar visit to the Black Sea earlier this month by the command ship USS Mount Whitney which is also closely tracked by the Russian Navy.
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