Russia warns Western provocations in Black Sea will fail
Russia warned Western countries that provocations in the Black Sea will not bring good results, as any attempt to test Moscow's readiness to protect its borders "is doomed to failure."
"The exercises, which are taking place right next to the Russian coast, using destroyers, as well as transport and landing ships of the US and its allies, are a provocative move," the Russian Embassy said in a statement, commenting on the US-led Sea Breeze exercise, which took place from June 28 to July 10.
"Such exercises with simulations of amphibious operations and training of Special Forces are undermining security in the region.Black Sea", the announcement said.
This year's Sea Breeze exercise, co-hosted by the US and Ukraine, included 32 warships from 32 countries, including the British destroyer HMS Defender, which was fired upon by Russia after it refused a request to leave waters off the Crimean Peninsula.
The UK Ministry of Defence has denied that warning shots were fired and bombs were dropped on the HMS Defender, while Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the ship's route was "entirely appropriate" as it was passing through international waters.
Several documents discovered later alleged that the British warship's passage through the area was not accidental but a planned provocation to assert that London did not consider Crimea an integral part of Russia.
However, according to the Russian Embassy, it is time for Western countries to accept this reality: "We call on our partners to understand one simple thing - the people of Crimea in 2014 made their decision. This must be respected. Western attempts to test Russia's resolve to defend its territorial integrity against such provocative exercises will fail.
The US believes that these annual exercises, which began in 1997, should not be seen by Russia as "a provocation" because they are not directed at any country or event, US Navy Captain Bobby Dixon said.
Russia denied the above stance, explaining that if similar exercises took place near the US border, Washington would certainly not be happy about this.
"Imagine if Russia conducts military exercises near the Gulf of Mexico. This will cause a storm of anger in the US," the Russian Embassy said./.
