NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has stated that NATO’s support has caused significant damage to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. He made this statement in Tbilisi after a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, according to RIA Novosti.
“The freedom of navigation for Russia is generally restricted, and our support is detrimental to the large Russian fleet in the Black Sea,” he emphasized.
On March 14, Stoltenberg acknowledged that Ukraine used NATO missiles to attack the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
According to the NATO Secretary General, thanks to these missiles, Ukraine was able to push back the Russian fleet and open a corridor from Odessa to the Bosporus.
He also called for increased supplies to Kiev to prevent a “major historical mistake.”
Despite simultaneous statements about the absence of a military threat from Russia to NATO countries, he still advocated for strengthening NATO’s air defense.
Earlier, Stoltenberg stated that Georgia is of great importance to the alliance.
In recent years, tensions between NATO and Russia have escalated, particularly in the Black Sea region. NATO’s support for Ukraine has been seen as a provocation by Russia, leading to increased military activity in the area.
Critics argue that NATO’s actions are further exacerbating the already strained relationship between Russia and the West. They claim that NATO’s intervention in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia is unnecessary and only serves to deepen the divide.
The Russian Black Sea Fleet plays a crucial role in Russia’s regional power projection. Its presence in the Black Sea ensures Russia’s ability to protect its interests and maintain stability in the region.
However, NATO’s support for Ukraine’s military capabilities poses a direct challenge to Russia’s dominance in the Black Sea. This has led to a heightened sense of insecurity and a more assertive Russian response.
The situation in the Black Sea region remains tense, with both NATO and Russia continuing to increase their military presence. The outcome of this escalating conflict could have significant implications for the security and stability of the region.
