Sea Breeze 2021 will last two weeks and involve about 5,000 military personnel from NATO and other allies, and approximately 30 ships and 40 aircraft [File: Ukrainian Defence Ministry/Handout via Reuters]
DW: US and allies begin large-scale naval drill in Black Sea
The biggest ever "Sea Breeze" exercises come days after Russia said its navy had fired warning shots against a British warship to chase it out of Black Sea waters.
A total of 32 countries began conducting military exercises in the Black Sea Monday, despite sharp criticism from Russia.
The US and Ukraine are leading the "Sea Breeze" drills.
They are scheduled to last for two weeks, according to the US military. Ukrainian navy commander Oleksiy Neizhpapa said during an opening ceremony in Odessa that the exercises would send a "powerful message to maintain stability and peace in our region."
But the Russian Foreign Ministry described the exercises as a provocation and alleged that they were being used to transport weapons and military equipment into Ukraine.
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WNU Editor: The Russians are watching .... Black Sea Fleet monitors US destroyer entering Black Sea - Russian Defense Ministry (TASS).More News On Ukraine And NATO Launching Joint Black Sea Drills
Ukraine, NATO launch joint Black Sea drills -- AP
Ukraine, U.S. to start Black Sea military drills despite Russian protest -- Reuters
Multinational Naval Drills Kick Off In Black Sea After Incident Between Russia And U.K. Destroyer -- RFE
Ukraine-US Black Sea military drills raise hackles in Russia -- TRT
Ukraine, US launch Black Sea drills despite Russian protest -- Al Jazeera
Russia says monitoring Black Sea military drills involving U.S., Ukraine - RIA -- Reuters