Russia: joint US-Ukraine military exercises in the Black Sea 'a dangerous idea'
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin stated that Russia considers the joint exercises “Sea Breeze” which are held by Ukraine and the United States to be dangerous.
“A dangerous idea. This is exactly how we will treat it. We perceive this idea as dangerous,” said Karasin as quoted by RIA Novosti.
The Sea Breeze exercises have been held by Ukraine and the United States on the territory of Ukraine since 1997.
On February 11th, the press service of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced that the exercises will be held in 2019. The Ministry stressed that it is expected that the military will carry out tasks according to NATO standards at sea, land, air, and underwater. The exercises will be held in the northwestern part of the Black Sea.
In July 2018, Ukraine and the United States also conducted similar exercises, in which 19 countries were involved.