Drills

'We are READY' Russia issues warning to NATO after military tests conducted in Black Sea

The joint military PASSEX 2017 exercise between Canada, Spain, Romania and Bulgaria was carried out in the body of water which borders part of the Russia's coastline.

According to a report from the Bulgarian ministry of defence, “tactical manoeuvring, air defence, repelling asymmetric attacks from an enemy above water, delivery of cargo by helicopter, and other manoeuvres” were carried out.

Russian defence minister Sergey Shoigu claimed Moscow was monitoring the Sea Shield drills.

He said: “At present, we are watching and monitoring everything that is happening there.

“We hope that the exercise will be conducted in the safest possible environment, without any challenges to Russia. In any case, we are ready to take on these challenges.”