KIEV, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak said his country stands prepared to counter possible Russia's "aggressive actions" in the Black Sea, Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Monday.
"(We are) completely ready. First of all, we drew conclusions from what has been happening in the Sea of Azov. Secondly, we have opportunities for maneuvering and beefing up our forces," Poltorak said in an interview published on the ministry's website.
Ukraine has accused Moscow of "aggressive actions" in the Sea of Azov after Russia inaugurated a bridge over the Kerch Strait in May this year and started carrying out inspections of commercial ships sailing through the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.
Russia said the inspections of ships are aimed at ensuring security in the waters of the Azov Sea and the Kerch Strait and do not violate the international law.
Relations between Kiev and Moscow have been deteriorating since early 2014 over Crimea and the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine.
