SOCHI, Nov 1 - RIA Novosti. Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the appearance of an American warship in the Black Sea.
The flagship command ship Mount Whitney has headed to the Black Sea to conduct joint operations with the forces of the North Atlantic Alliance, according to a message posted on Twitter on Monday by the Sixth Fleet of the US Navy.
The Head of State stressed the need to improve defense systems. According to him, this is caused by the development of offensive systems with high speed characteristics by leading states. Another reason for such a decision, according to him, is the general military-political situation, including the activity of NATO forces near the borders of Russia.
"And now, as you know, the US ship has entered the Black Sea. We can quickly look at it through binoculars, or through the sight of the corresponding defense systems," Putin said.
At the end of last week, the American and NATO command announced the start of operations in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The goal was to ensure security and stability in the region.
In addition, two days ago, the American destroyer Porter, armed with cruise missiles, entered the Black Sea. It was not specified whether his sending to the region was connected with the announced operation. The destroyer is being monitored by the forces and means of the Black Sea Fleet.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that the US actions do not add stability: the Americans are actively trying to push the Black Sea countries that are members of NATO to a confrontational policy, and plans to create naval bases of the alliance on the coast of Romania or Bulgaria do not meet the interests of good neighborliness in the Black Sea region. Nevertheless, Russia is ready for any threats, Lavrov said, stressing that Moscow always stands for promoting cooperation projects, and not those based on confrontation.
