Russia launched new major naval maneuvers in the Black Sea on Saturday while denouncing American "
hysteria
", Washington having declared to fear an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Read alsoUkraine: Blinken believes that a Russian invasion “could start at any time”
“
More than 30 ships of the Black Sea Fleet set sail from Sevastopol and Novorossiysk according to the exercise plan
,” the Defense Ministry said on Saturday morning.
“
The purpose of the exercise is to defend the sea coast of the Crimean Peninsula, the bases of the forces of the Black Sea Fleet, as well as the objects of the country's economic sector (...) from possible military threats
“, specifies the ministry.
Late Friday, spokeswoman for Russian diplomacy Maria Zakharova for her part denounced Washington's remarks that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could begin imminently.
“
The White House hysteria is more telling than ever.
The Anglo-Saxons need a war.
At all costs.
Provocations, disinformation and threats are the favorite method to solve one's own problems
,” she criticized on Telegram.
The Russian ambassador to the United States denounced American remarks deemed "
alarmist
", denouncing a lack of evidence and reiterating that Russia "
was not going to attack anyone
".
In recent months, Moscow has massed tens of thousands of troops on Ukraine's borders, raising fears of an attack.
Russia, which denies any project in this direction, demands guarantees for its security, including the rejection of Kiev joining NATO.
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140 warships
In January, Russia announced all-out naval exercises for the same month as well as for February, in the Atlantic, the Arctic, the Pacific and the Mediterranean, but also in "
the waters and seas adjacent to Russian territory
" .
.
"
In total, more than 140 warships and support ships, more than 60 aircraft, 1,000 pieces of military equipment and about 10,000 military personnel are to take part
," the Ministry of Defense said.
Read alsoPutin calls US exercises in the Black Sea a “provocation”
In the Black Sea, tensions have been high in recent years, with Moscow accusing Ukraine and the West of threatening its security off annexed Crimea.
In June 2021, the Russian fleet fired warning shots there against a British destroyer.
Russia is also currently conducting combat readiness exercises in Belarus, on the borders of the EU and Ukraine.