Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman: NATO Trains Ukraine, Georgia against Russia

"Moscow is concerned about NATO military activities in the Black Sea region," stated Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, Russian media reports. 

She stated that the Alliance is expanding its area of activity in the Black Sea and attracts countries such as Ukraine and Georgia, adding that NATO is encouraging these countries to confront Russia through exercises.

"The number of NATO naval vessels entering the ports of the Black Sea allies and partners, reconnaissance aircraft flights, unmanned aerial vehicles across the Russian border is increasing. Infrastructure is being modernized in Bulgaria and Romania and offensive weapons are being deployed in their territories. The scenario of military exercises also includes an attack on Russian territory," Zakharova said.

She noted that all this gives Moscow cause for concern.

"This is a matter of serious concern. We are forced to take into account the growing military activities of the Alliance. The Black Sea region has its own experience of maintaining peace through the forces of the coastal states. The appearance of a new actor, who did not come with the best of intentions, disrupts the regional stability," Zakharova said.

By Ana Dumbadze