The US will strengthen deterrence of Russia in the Black Sea region

The US National Defense Strategy envisages strengthening the deterrence of Russia in the Black Sea region by combining the efforts of allies and partners, conducting joint exercises, and exchanging information.

This was stated by Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities Mara Carlin, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We continue to encourage deeper engagement among Black Sea allies and partners to deter and defend against Russia's ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the wider Black Sea region," the Pentagon spokeswoman said in a video address to participants of the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum, which is taking place in Bucharest.

She clarified that this interaction includes expanding information exchange to provide a general assessment of the situation in the maritime sphere and beyond. According to Carlin, this is the basis of the US National Defense Strategy.

"Building up deterrence and maintaining it will allow the United States to cope with China - a constant challenge for our country - and Russia, which is defined in the strategy as an "acute threat," Carlin said.

In addition, the Pentagon spokesperson said that NATO is making sure that Russia does not have any thoughts of attacking any of the Allies. To this end, the allies have doubled the number of NATO battlegroups on the eastern flank to eight. There are more than 100,000 U.S. troops in Europe. And this unity is a key component in deterring Russia.

"The United States will continue to work with NATO allies (in the Black Sea region - ed.) on military modernization to counter the Russian military threat, including through posture and exercises," Carlin explained.

She emphasized that the security of the Black Sea region will require a joint approach to strengthening defense capabilities, identifying and preventing threats, and enhancing readiness and resilience, including against cyber attacks.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 20/05/2023