The Russian Navy's large landing ship Korolev sets sail in the Dardanelles, on its way to the Black Sea, in Canakkale, Turkey February 8, 2022. REUTERS/Yoruk Isik
By Maria Kiselyova and Ece Toksabay
MOSCOW/ISTANBUL, Feb 8 (Reuters) – Six Russian warships are heading to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean for naval drills, the Interfax news agency cited Russia’s Defence Ministry as saying on Tuesday, in what it said was a pre-planned movement of military resources.
Russia announced last month its navy would stage a sweeping set of exercises involving all its fleets in January and February, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, in the latest show of strength in a surge of military activity during a standoff with the West over Ukraine.
The six ships are scheduled to pass through Turkey’s straits to the Black Sea on Tuesday and Wednesday, Turkish sources said.
The vessels include the Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad, which are set to navigate the Bosphorus on Tuesday, while the Pyotr Morgunov, the Georgy Pobedonosets and the Olenegorsky Gornyak are expected to pass on Wednesday.
Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukraine border. It denies any plans to invade but is seeking sweeping security guarantees, including a promise of no missile deployments near its borders, a scaling back of NATO military infrastructure and a ban on Ukraine ever joining the alliance.
Legally, NATO member Turkey could shut the straits to transit if Russia were to take military action against Ukraine.
“Turkey is authorized to close the straits to all foreign warships in wartime or when it is threatened by aggression. Also, it is authorized to refuse transit to merchant ships belonging to countries at war with Turkey,” said Yoruk Isik, a geopolitical analyst based in Istanbul.
Turkey, which shares a maritime border with both Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has said any military conflict would be unacceptable and has told Moscow any invasion would be unwise.
However President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate in the row between Moscow and Kyiv. Ankara has cordial relations with both countries, though Erdogan says it will do what is necessary as a NATO member in the event of a Russian invasion.
French President Emmanuel Macron said after talks in the Kremlin on Monday with Russia’s Vladimir Putin that the coming days would be crucial in the standoff over Ukraine. Putin suggested some progress had been made in the talks. (Additional reporting by Jonathan Spicer in Istanbul; Editing by Andrew Osborn and Gareth Jones)
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2022.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 109,835 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
Norway said on Monday it would provide 2.7 billion crowns ($242 million) to strengthen the Ukrainian navy and help it deter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea.
By Philip J. Heijmans Dec 13, 2024, 2:04 AM – (Bloomberg) –The US will send a warship to visit a naval base in Cambodia for the first time since the Southeast...
By Gerry Doyle, Vijdan Mohammad Kawoosa, Arathy J. Aluckal Dec 11 (Reuters) – An SM-3 interceptor erupted into the night sky over Guam late on Tuesday, its engine briefly illuminating the northeast...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 109,835 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
