The State Duma appreciated the words of the US General about Russia's actions in the Black Sea

Balbek called the Hodges statement unintelligible.

At the same time, the parliamentarian noted that to observe the exercises and be prepared to repel possible provocations is a direct task of any navy, including the Russian one.

“So the American general went too far in his statements - either from ignorance of the situation, or to escalate anti-Russian hysteria. The fact that NATO conducts exercises in the eastern part of the Black Sea, and our ships and coastal units are put on high alert, only speaks of protecting our national interests, and not about trying to prevent NATO maneuvers, ”Balbek explained.

Earlier, General Ben Hodges accused Russia of blocking NATO exercises in the Black Sea.

According to him, when the alliance forces announce places for exercises in the Black Sea, Russia supposedly closes the aisles to them.