Conducting exercises near the borders of the Russian Federation in the south is an aggressive action by the United States. This was announced on Thursday, November 11, by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
"Holding this unscheduled exercise near our borders is absolutely unprovoked by Russia aggressive actions of the United States, posing a threat to regional security and strategic stability," the ministry said.
The Defense Ministry also noted that an increase in the military activity of the United States and its NATO allies in the Black Sea region is being recorded. First of all, the intensity of the actions of naval forces, air and sea reconnaissance, as well as strategic aviation has increased.
"Over the past day, four NATO reconnaissance aircraft have been detected and accompanied by radar means of the anti-aircraft missile forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces. The flights of U-2S, RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and two P-8A Poseidon base patrol aircraft were carried out in the airspace over the northwestern and central parts of the Black Sea," the ministry explained.
It is noted that at present the American destroyer "Porter" and the staff ship "Mount Whitney" continue to move to the western part of the Black Sea water area.
Earlier in the day, a Su-30 fighter jet took off to escort a British reconnaissance aircraft in the Black Sea area. It was noted that the RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft of the British Air Force tried to approach the state border of Russia in the area of the southwestern part of the Crimean peninsula. In order to control his actions, the Su-30 fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces was lifted from the duty forces.
Currently, the American guided missile destroyer Porter, the tanker John Lenthall and the staff ship Mount Whitney are located in the Black Sea region. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation indicated that the alleged theater of military operations is being studied in case Kiev prepares a military solution in the south-east of Ukraine.
On the eve it was also reported that the reconnaissance aircraft of the North Atlantic Alliance in the last day significantly increased the intensity of flights near the borders of Russia in the Black Sea region. According to Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, the Pentagon will conduct operations as it "sees fit."
In turn, presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that NATO exercises in the Black Sea are a matter of concern for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He noted that such actions in the immediate vicinity of the borders cannot but be the reason for increased attention and precautions.
On November 8, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stressed that the NATO exercises in the Black Sea are connected with the intention of the United States and its allies to increase the policy of deterring Russia. He noted that the actions of the alliance forces violate all the promises and obligations that were enshrined in the NATO—Russia Founding Act.