Russia issues statement on 'NATO ships' with emphasis on the 'Black Sea'

Peskov made statements to journalists regarding the decree by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that puts into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council concerning the country's maritime security strategy.

Regarding the strategy, which includes ensuring a permanent presence of NATO forces in the Black Sea as a primary goal, Peskov said, "Taking into account the coastal states that are members of the alliance, Bulgaria and Romania, the intense presence of NATO ships (in the Black Sea), especially considering the direct participation of NATO states in the conflicts around Ukraine, naturally poses an additional threat to the Russian Federation. Russia will take all necessary measures to ensure its own security."

Reminding that the regulations regarding the stay of non-Black Sea states in the Black Sea are strictly governed by the Montreux Convention, Peskov said, "In this case, Turkey is the administrator and is fulfilling its duties quite clearly."

Commenting on the promise of Ursula von der Leyen, who is a candidate for another term as President of the European Commission, to transform the EU into a defense union, Peskov said, "This once again confirms the attitude of European states toward militarization, escalating tensions, conflict, and resorting to confrontational methods in their foreign policy."

Peskov added that the work in question would overlap with the interaction the EU already has within the framework of NATO.

News Source: AA