Russia condemns the arrival of a US amphibious ship in the Black Sea.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu denounced the coordinated action between the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stating that it maintains a level of activity near Russian borders "unprecedented since the Cold War."
247, with HispanTV - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu denounced the coordinated action between the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), stating that it maintains a level of activity near Russian borders "unprecedented since the Cold War."
Fleet commander Lisa Franchetti said in a statement that "the transition of the USS Fort McHenry from the Black Sea reflects our collective commitment to security in that area and strengthens our close relationships with NATO allies and partners in the region."
According to the statement, the amphibious assault ship will conduct joint operations with NATO partners "to promote security and stability in Europe."
In mid-December, the United States' special envoy to Ukraine, Kurt Volker, stated that his country should consider increasing its presence in the Black Sea.
In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova commented that the role of the American envoy is not one of peacemaking.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, relations between Russia and the United States have been affected by a "provocation" by Ukrainian authorities in the Kerch Strait (Black Sea), referring to the entry of Ukrainian ships into Russian waters around the Crimean Peninsula.