KYIV, Nov 13 (Reuters) – Ukraine said on Saturday it would speed up the construction of a naval base at the port of Berdyansk to prevent what Kyiv calls a gradual attempt by Moscow to take control of the Sea of Azov that flows past Russian-annexed Crimea.
Ukraine’s newly-appointed defence minister announced the plans after a trip to Berdyansk that followed Western warnings this week about Russian troop movements near Ukraine’s borders and a possible attack.
Russia has dismissed as inflammatory suggestions Moscow might be weighing an attack and accused Washington of aggressive moves in the Black Sea where Ukraine and the United States held military drills on Saturday.
Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said it was vital for Ukraine to strengthen its naval forces. “The corresponding instructions will be given to accelerate the construction of the naval base,” Reznikov said in a statement.
Ukraine announced plans to build a base in Berdyansk in 2018 after losing its military bases on the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014 before backing separatists fighting in eastern Ukraine.
Russia Says It Fired Warning Shots at British Destroyer Off Crimea
Moscow has since taken de facto control of the Kerch Strait, which provides a passage from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov, where two large Ukrainian ports are located – Berdyansk and Mariupol.
In his statement, Reznikov said Russia’s actions in the Azov and Black Seas had sharpened security risks and created systemic threats to shipping.
“Following the occupation of Crimea and parts of (eastern Ukraine), Russia is trying to de facto occupy the Sea of Azov as well,” Reznikov said.
Russia has in the past denied the allegation it wants to take control of the Sea of Azov. There was no immediate reaction from Russia to the Ukrainian defence minister’s comments
Reporting by Natalia Zinets; editing by Tom Balmforth and Andrew Cawthorne
(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021.
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 108,853 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
by John Konrad (gCaptain) Amidst the intense conflict with Hamas, Israel’s Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline -linking oil tanker ports on the Gulf Of Aqaba to Haifa – has emerged as a critical...
by John Konrad (gCaptain) In the age of increased cyber threats and vulnerabilities, safeguarding a business extends beyond the perimeter of one’s organization. Speaking at the Marine Money Week Conference...
By Soo-hyang Choi and Ju-min Park SEOUL, March 24 (Reuters) – North Korea has tested a new nuclear-capable underwater attack drone, state media reported on Friday, as leader Kim Jong Un warned...
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 108,853 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
