US warship enters Black Sea, Russia threatens retaliation

US destroyer enters the Black Sea.

According to the Daily Star, US naval officials said the destroyer entered the Black Sea to conduct “maritime security operations”, where US allies such as Romania, Türkiye and Bulgaria are located.

“The presence of the USS Carney in the Black Sea is intended to enhance the security, stability and readiness of allies and partners in the region,” a US Navy official said.

This makes Russian officials particularly worried, because they believe that the US will maintain a permanent presence in this sea area.

“We will definitely react. And it will not be a spontaneous action. It will be part of the program of controlling Russian security in the Black Sea,” said Frants Klintsevich, an official of the Russian Senate’s Military Affairs Committee.

Mr. Klintsevich said that the US sending destroyers to the Black Sea was an action aimed at "pushing Russia to the brink".

“But this is a futile effort. We have nerves of steel, and no one will be forced to stand on the brink. This provocation will not succeed.”

NATO forces are present in the area close to the Russian border.

Mr. Klintsevich also affirmed that the accusation that Russia is threatening other countries is "absurd".

The Black Sea is an area where Russia has been strengthening its military power in recent years, with the annexation of the Crimean peninsula into the Russian Federation. Russian warships also often launch cruise missiles from this sea towards terrorist targets in Syria.

This is the second time the 9,600-ton guided-missile destroyer USS Carney has entered the Black Sea this year. The first time was in February.

According to international rules, warships of countries not in the Black Sea are allowed to stay in the area for no more than 21 days.

In February, Russia dispatched the frigate Admiral Essen and two patrol boats in response to exercises in the Black Sea by the USS Carney and USS Ross.