Kremlin: Russia monitors actions of US Navy ship in Black Sea
The patrol ship from the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Pytlivy, monitors the actions of USS Fort McHenry, a large landing ship of the US Navy, which carries out exercises in the Black Sea, reported RIA Novosti with reference to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
As stated by the ministry, the American ship has been in the Black Sea since 9:00 pm Moscow time, January 6.
The press service of the U.S. 6th Fleet announced that the ship would “conduct operations with its allies to ensure security and stability in Europe”. The US Navy stated that “USS Fort McHenry’s transit into the Black Sea reaffirms our collective resolve to Black Sea security and enhances our strong relationships with our NATO allies and partners in the region.”
In early December, CNN reported, citing its sources, that the United States was planning to send a warship to the Black Sea due to the incident in the Kerch Strait. According to the source, Washington had notified Turkey of this intention through diplomatic channels.
The Pentagon stated that the United States regularly "works in the Black Sea in accordance with international laws and the Montreux Convention" and will continue to do so. This statement was made by the official representative of the 6th fleet of the US Navy, Kyle Raines, Navy Times reported. He said that the presence of the US ship in the Black Sea is legal.