© AFP 2016/Daniel MihailescuRoman frigate on the Black Sea
The Sea Shield 2017 maritime drills with the participation of seven NATO member states and Ukraine are kicking off in the Black Sea on Wednesday.
Comment: The drills will include servicemen from Romania, Ukraine, the United States, Canada, Spain, Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. Romania will provide 11 warships and four fighter jets, alongside six fighter jets and five provided by other members of the bloc.
"As you know, a large group has entered and continues entering the Black Sea for exercises. According to a decision of the General Staff and the head of the South Military District, all actions to control this group entering and its activities in the Black Sea have been taken. At present, we see and control everything that happens there," Shoigu said at a ministerial session.
The minister expressed hope that the exercises would take place in a "maximally secure environment" without any challenges for Russia.
"In any case, we are ready for such challenges," he added.
Comment: NATO is once again playing games by flaunting itself in the face of Russia. Would the US be comfortable with a similar drill by the Russians in the Gulf of Mexico? Or in the English Channel? It is not about Russian aggression; it is about escalation of tensions by NATO until they can declare 'foul' and legitimize a war.