NATO: Russia violates military balance in the Black Sea region
Russia’s actions in the Black Sea region have violated the zone’s military balance, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs James Appathurai stated, the Agerpres agency reports.
Appathurai, who is NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, made this statement while speaking on Tuesday at a forum devoted to security in the Atlantic and Black Sea.
Following the annexation of the Crimea by Russia, “a lot of military equipment was delivered to the peninsula,” Appathurai stated. “All of that changes the balance of security in the region,” he concluded.
Appathurai added: “Security of the North Atlantic is closely related to security of the Black Sea.”
According to him, the Alliance applies an approach towards Russia involving deterrence and dialogue at the same time. He called the last meeting between the NATO Council and Russia “quite positive.”
“We have made some progress, some evolution in this direction,” Appathurai noted. “We are seeking a constructive dialogue with Russia and look forward to this, but we should also ensure defense. So, NATO’s presence is strengthened in defensive and proportional manners in the Black Sea region.”