Russia sends 30 ships to participate in its exercises in the Black Sea

The Russian Defense Ministry said that more than 30 warships of its naval forces entered the Black Sea with the aim of conducting military exercises.

The ministry said in a statement on Saturday that more than 30 ships set off from the ports of “Sevastopol” and “Novorossiysk”, heading towards the Black Sea to participate in military exercises.

On January 20, the ministry had announced that it would conduct a series of military maneuvers in January and February, with the participation of 10,000 soldiers, 140 ships and 60 aircraft.

Western countries, led by the United States, accuse Russia of amassing forces near the Ukrainian border, and Washington has threatened to impose sanctions on Moscow if it launches an attack on Ukraine.

Russia rejects the accusations about the movements of its forces inside its territory, and denies the existence of any aggressive plans it has towards Ukraine.