Tensions high in the Black Sea as NATO exercise comes to a close
Russian diplomat threatens that Western forces risk getting “clocked on the nose” if they enter occupied Crimean waters.
NATO’s Operation Sea Breeze in the Black Sea is winding down amidst threats and warnings from Russia to stay away from sensitive areas near occupied Crimea.
Sea Breeze is an annual naval exercise run by NATO and the US 6th Fleet, and hosted by the Ukrainian Navy. This year’s exercise runs from June 28th to July 10th, with 32 participating nations and 32 ships.
The flotilla includes the British destroyer HMS Defender which drew Russia’s ire on 23rd June when she sailed inside Crimea’s 12-nm territorial line. The UK recognises Crimea as belonging to Ukraine, although it was occupied by Russian forces in 2014.
“They would be better off leaving their provocations aside next time and staying away from that area because they will get clocked in the nose,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Tuesday.
