Amid tensions surrounding the British destroyer off the annexed Crimean Peninsula, the Ukraine and the US have launched Black Sea drills with dozens of warships.
How will Moscow react to the largest maneuvers in decades?
The Russian diesel submarine “Kolpino”, capable of using “Kalibr” cruise missiles, took to the Black Sea for exercises in the context of the Sea Breeze exercise.
In addition, the crews of Ka-27 helicopters from the Independent Combined Aviation Regiment performed practical flights from the deck of the patrol ship “Pavel Derzhavin” in the waters of the Black Sea.
Recall that, a total of 32 ships, 40 aircraft and helicopters and 5,000 soldiers from 24 countries are taking part in the exercises, which last through July 10. Participating countries include the US, the United Kingdom, France, Turkey, Israel, Morocco, Japan, South Korea and Australia. Germany, which has been involved in the past, is not taking part this year. It’s the largest maneuvers in decades, after last year’s drills were shortened due to the pandemic.