To counter Russia, Ukraine builds base in the Sea of Azov
(Baonghean.vn) - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko announced that the country will build a military base on the Sea of Azov, and has sent additional forces to the region to deal with the growing threat from Russia.
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| Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko. Photo: AP |
Mr. Muzhenkov accused that Russia has gone beyond the underground war in the Donbass region, southeastern Ukraine, and is moving towards strengthening its military presence in the Ukrainian border area, as well as conducting openly aggressive actions against ships passing through Ukrainian ports.
The Sea of Azov, a strategic arm of the Black Sea that Russia and Ukraine share a coastline with, has become a flashpoint this year. Ukraine says Russia is blocking many ships from accessing Ukrainian ports through fake surveillance and detention operations.
Washington also called on Russia to immediately stop “harassing” the ships, and decided to transfer US patrol boats to Kiev. In response, Moscow said Ukraine may be plotting to blockade the Crimean peninsula.
“All activities conducted in the Azov Sea area are elements of strengthening our presence in this region in order to adequately respond to potential provocations by the Russian Federation,” Mr. Muzhenko affirmed.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine announced that the country had deployed additional air, land, sea and artillery forces to the region. Mr. Muzhenko ruled out the proposal that Ukrainian naval vessels would escort commercial vessels along the coast to avoid them being intercepted by Russian ships.
Russia has always affirmed that ship inspections are legal, ensuring security in the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait./.
