Russia holds naval drills as U.S. vessel moves to Black Sea

Russia’s Black Sea fleet launched naval combat exercises on Tuesday as a U.S. coastguard vessel headed to the region at a time of heightened tension between Russia and the West.

Moscow alarmed Kyiv and Western capitals in recent weeks by building up forces along the border with Ukraine, though last week it ordered a withdrawal of some troops. Russia’s Black Sea fleet said on Tuesday its Moskva cruiser would hold live-fire drills with other ships and military helicopters, Interfax news agency reported.

Hours earlier, U.S. Naval Forces in Europe said the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Hamilton, a cutter, was moving into the Black Sea to work with NATO allies and partners in the region. The RIA news agency quoted Russia’s defence ministry on Tuesday evening as saying the Hamilton had

entered the Black Sea and was being tracked by the Russian fleet.

Russia said its troop build-up near the border with Ukraine was part of drills in response to what it called threatening behaviour by NATO. Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday Russia