The Russian Navy has recently discovered a stray Ukrainian mine in the northwestern part of the Black Sea, prompting the Russian Defense Ministry to issue a warning to all ships in the area. The ministry emphasized the potential danger posed by naval mines and cited a warning from Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
According to the Defense Ministry’s statement, the stray mine was laid by Ukrainian forces in early 2021 during “chaotic mining activities in the coastal area of the Black Sea.” It further criticized the Ukrainian Navy for ignoring maritime navigation security and stated that their incompetence and lack of responsibility have led to a situation where an unidentified number of mines are now drifting in the Black Sea, posing a constant danger to navigation.
As of now, Kiev has not commented on the situation, and it remains to be seen how they will respond to the Russian Navy’s discovery. However, this is not the first time stray mines have been found in the Black Sea since the conflict between Russia and Ukraine began. In April 2022, the Turkish Defense Ministry dispatched elite Underwater Defense diving teams to an area off the coast of Izmir province after a floating mine was discovered by a Liberian-flagged cargo ship.
It is worth noting that both Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of laying mines in the Black Sea since the start of the conflict. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky accused Russia of creating the worst threat to international security since World War II by using mines as a de facto weapon of indiscriminate action. In response, Moscow denied these accusations and stated that the Ukrainian Navy had placed around 420 obsolete sea anchor mines outside several of its ports, some of which had detached from their cables and were now drifting.
The discovery of these stray mines highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the potential risk they pose to maritime navigation in the Black Sea. It serves as a reminder of the need for all countries involved in the conflict to prioritize the safety of civilian ships and ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent further incidents.
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for all ships operating in the Black Sea to remain cautious and follow the guidance and warnings issued by the Russian Navy and other relevant authorities. International cooperation and communication among neighboring countries are essential to mitigate the risks posed by stray mines and maintain the safety of maritime traffic in the region.
In conclusion, the recent discovery of a stray Ukrainian mine in the Black Sea underscores the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the potential hazards they bring to maritime navigation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the need for all countries involved to take responsible measures to ensure the security of civilian ships in the region.
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