Moscow: A senior Russian lawmaker has delivered a sharp warning, cautioning that any increase in NATO’s presence in the Black Sea could lead to significant and potentially dangerous consequences.
Violating Agreements and Reneging on Promises
Dmitry Belik, a State Duma member representing Sevastopol and a member of the international affairs committee, voiced his concerns to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, as reported by Lenta. Belik stressed that any NATO attempt to increase its presence in the Black Sea would result in severe and irreversible consequences.
He accused NATO countries of violating agreements and disregarding their commitments, suggesting that such actions are intended to provoke and intimidate Russia. This warning reflects the heightened tensions that have been simmering since 2014, a period marked by significant geopolitical changes.
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Strong Capabilities to Counter Potential Threats
Belik assured that while Russia has the capability to counteract potential threats, a direct military conflict with NATO in the Black Sea is not expected. However, he did not dismiss the possibility of provocations from Western nations that could further escalate tensions.
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Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev had previously expressed concerns about NATO’s actions in the Black Sea. Patrushev suggested that NATO’s maneuvers might breach the Montreux Convention, an international treaty established in 1936. The Montreux Convention governs naval traffic through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, ensuring free passage for commercial vessels while imposing certain restrictions on military ships.
