Ukraine Conducts Missile Tests Near Black Sea, Raising Russian Ire
Ukraine began two days of surface-to-air missile tests in an area near the Black Sea, as tensions with Moscow escalated. Russia, which annexed the adjacent region of Crimea in 2014, called the exercises a provocation and reportedly put its military on high alert.
Regarding today's missile tests by Ukraine in the Black Sea:
"It is our responsibility to build air defense for Kyiv and the whole of Ukraine and no one can stop us.” President Petro Poroshenko said on December 1.
Military spokesman Volodymyr Kryzhanovsky said the exercises were taking place at least 30 kilometers from Crimea’s airspace.
Kryzhanovsky said the tests were being held in accordance with international law, adding that Ukraine’s military was ready for "any developments."
Russia has reportedly put its air defense forces on high alert on Crimea.