Russia accuses NATO of militarizing the Black Sea region

Russia has criticised the EU and NATO for showing solidarity with Ukraine over the Kerch Strait clash. Photo: Getty

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed: "NATO is actively militarizing the Black Sea region, increasing its military presence in Eastern Europe, and modernizing its military and civilian infrastructure."

In Romania, US Missile Defense (NMD) complexes have been deployed. The military alliance has also stepped up patrols of its maritime and airspace, actively conducting reconnaissance activities in the region, especially along the Russian border.

"The total duration of the presence of warships as part of the NATO naval group in the Black Sea region has increased from 80 days to 120 days. NATO does not hide its plans to further strengthen its military presence in this region," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also stressed that the European Union (EU) and NATO's demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine over the Kerch Strait clash only "heats up militaristic sentiments in Kiev and supports those who want to continue the confrontation"./.