Crimea was for Russia a strong platform for the transfer of power far beyond Ukraine.
Russia is stepping up the militarization of the annexed Crimea and turned the Peninsula into a base for sending troops to the Mediterranean and the middle East.
This was stated by the Deputy assistant NATO Secretary General for political Affairs James Appathurai during a panel discussion organized in London, the Royal Institute of international Affairs (Chatham House).
“Crimea was for Russia a strong platform for the transfer of power far beyond Ukraine, in the Eastern Mediterranean and the middle East,” – said Appathurai.
He noted that NATO increases defense of allies in the black sea region, in particular, an important center for this is Romania, where a multinational land brigade.
“NATO boosts presence in the Black sea, to make it clear that we can protect the freedom of movement at sea. Military command is very attentive to have the appropriate means to do so,” said Appathurai.
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