MOSCOW, November 13/ Sputnik Radio. NATO uses strategic aviation in unplanned exercises in the Black Sea, and this is a serious challenge for Russia, President Vladimir Putin said.
The Russian leader also drew attention to the fact that the weapons with which the ships of the North Atlantic Alliance are equipped create a challenge for the Russian Federation.
He clarified that the Ministry of Defense proposed in response to the actions of the alliance to also launch unplanned exercises in the Black Sea, and added that the Russian side would limit itself to escorting aircraft and ships.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, since October 30, the US Navy's Porter guided missile destroyer has been in the Black Sea. Last week, on November 3, the tanker John Lenthall of the US Navy entered the waters of the Black Sea, and on November 4 – the headquarters ship Mount Whitney of the US Navy. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said at a meeting of the Russian-French council in the "2+2" format that NATO continues to increase its military presence near the borders of the Russian Federation.
Earlier, the candidate of military sciences told Sputnik radio how NATO's activity near Russia's borders is "useful".