Ukraine and NATO begin naval exercises in the Black Sea

The Sea Breez-2014 exercise with the participation of Ukrainian and NATO warships began on September 8 in the northwestern Black Sea region.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said the goal of the exercise was to practice operations in an international operation to establish and ensure a maritime safety zone in the crisis area.

The ministry said the exercise took place in accordance with the bilateral cooperation program between the two sides, in line with the 2014 plan approved by the Ukrainian leadership.

The exercise will take place under the "Partnership for Peace" program, so traditionally a number of countries will be invited to participate.

On the Ukrainian side, there are 5 warships and logistics ships, 2 border guard ships, planes and helicopters while on the NATO side, there are 6 warships participating. Georgia, Norway, Sweden and France sent observers./.

According to VNA