Moscow Denies Military Buildup In Sea Of Azov, Points At Kiev Trying To Militarize Region

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st November, 2018) Russia is not expanding its military presence in the Sea of Azov unlike Ukraine, which is trying to militarize the region, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

"Contrary to the statements of Kiev and Brussels, Russia is not increasing its military presence in the Sea of Azov. The forces stationed there are mainly used to guard the Crimean Bridge ...

While the actions of Ukraine, which announced the creation of a naval base in Berdiansk and systematically blocks certain areas of the Sea of Azov for artillery fire, are just aimed at militarizing the Sea of Azov," the ministry stressed.

Thus, the responsibility for a surge in tensions in the Sea of Azov lies with Kiev, according to Moscow.

"Russia warns that responsibility for a possible further exacerbation of the situation in the Azov-Kerch water area lies with Ukraine and the states supporting its provocative actions," the ministry added.