Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied information that Russian warships in the Black Sea allegedly block trade routes. He made the corresponding statement at a briefing on Thursday, February 10.
"No [not blocked]. All military maneuvers and movements of Russian ships in the Black Sea are carried out in strict accordance with international maritime law," Peskov said.
Earlier in the day, information was spread in the media that the Ukrainian fleet was allegedly locked in ports because of Russian military exercises. They allegedly prevent ships from moving even along their shores.
Also on Thursday it was reported that a detachment of large amphibious ships of the Russian Navy arrived in Sevastopol, completing the transition to the Black Sea.
In Crimea, the ships will have to undergo a post-arrival inspection. The crew will replenish supplies of fuel and lubricants, drinking water and food, and will also have the opportunity to rest, the press service added.
In accordance with the plan of preparation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation for 2022, a series of naval exercises under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Admiral Nikolai Evmenov is held in January-February in all areas of responsibility of the fleets.
Earlier, on January 26, it became known that more than 20 ships, boats and vessels of the Russian Black Sea Fleet left their bases for exercises in the Black Sea. The crews of the ships, as noted, will conduct exercises and trainings in several directions.