Russian Deputy Foreign Minister: Any NATO plots in the Black Sea are futile
(Baonghean.vn) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko criticized that the increased activities of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the Black Sea pose a risk to the security of the entire region.
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| Crimea Bridge. Photo: AP |
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko stressed: "Our position is clear: Any NATO plots in the Black Sea region are useless from a military point of view. These plots will not strengthen regional security nor NATO itself, but will only create additional military risks."
According to Mr. Grushko, Russia is ready to cope with any changes in military security in the Black Sea, and will apply additional defense measures if necessary.
In a related development, also on April 3, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia negatively assessed NATO's statement regarding ships in the Kerch Strait.
Asked under what circumstances Russia could allow NATO ships to enter the Kerch Strait, Mr. Peskov replied that the decision would be made upon receiving a relevant request.
A day earlier, US Ambassador to NATO Kay Bailey Hutchison said the US was moving forward with a package of measures, including aerial surveillance equipment and the deployment of more NATO warships to the Black Sea, as well as a plan to ensure Ukrainian ships can pass through the Kerch Strait.
This proposal will be presented to the Foreign Ministers of member countries at the NATO conference taking place in Washington on April 3-4.
