Russia Responds to NATO's Black Sea Buildup: 'Aiming to Increase Its Presence'

The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that it is closely monitoring NATO's efforts to strengthen its military presence in the Black Sea region, which it considers a direct threat to Russia's national security.Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the European Affairs Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, noted that NATO has increased its activities in the Black Sea direction.

NATO's activities are primarily aimed at creating challenges and threats to our country's security, including the Black Sea direction, where the alliance is trying to increase its presence in every way.

Maslennikov's statements coincided with the start of NATO's large-scale 'Breeze' military exercise in the Black Sea. This has reignited military tensions in the region. Russian officials emphasize that NATO has shown unprecedented activity in areas close to Russia's western borders.