US - Ukraine conduct military exercises in the Black Sea

(Baonghean.vn) - The "Sea Breeze 2016" exercise between the US Navy and other countries began on July 18 in the northwest of the Black Sea, in the Odessa and Nikolayev regions of Ukraine. According to the Ukrainian Navy, this year "the scale of the exercise has been significantly expanded".

US destroyer Donald Cock and Ukrainian ship Hetman Sagaidachny in the Black Sea port of Odessa in 2015. Photo: AP.

"More than 25 ships and support vessels from Ukraine, the United States, Türkiye and Romania have been involved in the exercises. In addition to the air force, the scope of operations of the multinational marine task force will be expanded compared to previous years," said Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Roman Gladky.

Earlier, NATO said that marines and special forces from Ukraine, the US, Moldova and Georgia stationed in the Nikolayev region, east of Odessa, would participate in "operations to resolve the crisis in Ukraine".

The drills, which will last until July 30, will include training of marines, air assault, artillery defense systems, handling of underwater obstacles with the support of engineering units, and special operations to ensure maritime and aviation security. The Ukrainian frigates Getman Sagaidachny and Koretz will participate in the drills.

In 2015, the "Sea Breeze" exercise took place from August 31 to September 12. The exercise involved 2,500 soldiers, including about 1,000 Ukrainian soldiers (including 9 ships, 8 planes and helicopters, 50 combat vehicles). The US side participated with about 1,000 soldiers (including 5 ships, 2 submarines, 8 planes and helicopters, 40 combat vehicles).

Thanh Hien

(According to Tass)