The command of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' Navy has said the Russian Federation once again provoked an emergency situation in the Black Sea, ignoring the norms of international maritime law.
Read alsoRussian anti-submarine corvette enters Sea of Azov
"On July 10, 2019, the Russian Federation once again showed its true face and provoked an emergency situation in the Black Sea, ignoring international maritime law," the press service of Ukraine's Navy wrote on Facebook on July 10.
"Despite the coastal message for marines regarding the closure of the area for holding Sea Breeze 2019 multinational military exercises, at about 08:00 on July 10, 2019, provoking a dangerous situation, the Russian destroyer Smetlivy entered the area closed for navigation where practical shooting of the ship's artillery of the international coalition's marine grouping was taking place, " the report said.
It is noted the crew of the Russian ship was interviewed by the Ukrainian frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy in accordance with the international protocol, but they pretended they had communications problems.
"This fact is another reason for the international community not to see the Russian Federation as a predictable subject of international maritime law, whose systemic violations have become the norm of Russia's behavior in the Black Sea region," the command said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraine-U.S. Sea Breeze drills began in Ukraine on July 1.
Exercise Sea Breeze 2019 brings together 19 nations, 33 ships, 26 aircraft, and over 3,000 troops to participate in a maritime, air, and land exercise that will enhance capabilities, improve interoperability and build upon decades of partnership and friendship. The 19th iteration occurs this year and is a field training exercise with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure, force protection, and maritime security operations.
A closing ceremony is scheduled for July 12.
