Head Of US Delegation To Crimea Condemns NATO's Military Activities In Black Sea

Bruce Gagnon, the head of the US delegation, which arrived in Crimea earlier in the week, expressed concern on Wednesday over NATO's expansion toward Russia's borders and the alliance's activities in the Black Sea

SIMFEROPOL (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 01st May, 2019) Bruce Gagnon, the head of the US delegation, which arrived in Crimea earlier in the week, expressed concern on Wednesday over NATO's expansion toward Russia's borders and the alliance's activities in the Black Sea.

A group of US activists, including citizen diplomats, peacekeepers and public figures started a visit to Crimea on Tuesday.

At a roundtable on the development of public diplomacy, Gagnon noted that Washington was gradually moving away from the provisions of numerous treaties concluded with Russia, calling it dangerous arrogance.

According to Gagnon, the US policies show that Washington is not interested in peace.

NATO carried out its Sea Shield 2019 drills in the Black Sea in April. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said that NATO increasing activities in the Black Sea entailed risks to the security of the entire region.

Crimea rejoined Russia in 2014, when 97 percent of those who participated in the referendum on the matter supported the reunification. The reunification was not recognized by Ukraine or Western states, which subsequently imposed economic and political sanctions on Moscow. Russia has repeatedly stated that the referendum was conducted in compliance with international law.