MOSCOW, Aug 2-RIA Novosti. The statement of the commander of the US Navy in Europe and Africa is extremely dangerous and represents an attempt to shift responsibility for fueling the conflict in the Black Sea, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told RIA Novosti.
Earlier, Admiral Robert Burke said that Russia "provokes" the United States to strike first, but noted that this will not happen if there are no provocations. His words were quoted by the publication Business Insider.
According to him, tensions in the region are increasing due to the fact that the United States is increasing its military presence in the immediate vicinity of the Russian borders.
"Where is the Black Sea and where is the United States?" he added.
The restoration of professional military contacts between Russia and NATO countries could reduce the risk of military incidents, Grushko added.