Russia-Ukraine Border Heats Up: US Ready To Send Warships To Black Sea, Supersonic Bomber Docks

Russia's border with Ukraine. (Wikimedia Commons/Serge Bystro)

JAKARTA - The United States (US) is considering sending warships to the Black Sea in the next few weeks, to show support for Ukraine amid a growing Russian military presence on Ukraine's eastern border, a US defense official said Thursday, April 8, local time.

The US Navy routinely operates in the Black Sea, but the deployment of warships will now send a special message to Moscow that the US is overseeing events on the Russia-Ukraine border.

The U.S. is required to give 14 days advance notice of its intention to enter the Black Sea under a 1936 agreement that gives Turkey control over the strait to enter the sea. It is unclear whether a notification has been sent.

Defense officials also said the navy continues to fly reconnaissance aircraft in international airspace over the Black Sea to monitor Russian Navy activity and any troop movements in Crimea.

On Wednesday, two US Air Force B-1 Lancer supersonic bombers conducted a mission over the Aegean Sea separating Turkey from Greece, not far from the Black Sea.

Although the US does not see the gathering of Russian troops as a stance for offensive actions, the official said, if anything changes, the US is ready to respond.

"At the moment, Russia is conducting training and training. Intelligence has not indicated a military order for further action. However, that could change at any time", the official told CNN on Friday, April 9.

The United States government and the international community have expressed concern, regarding rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

In recent weeks, President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan have all spoken with their Ukrainian counterparts.

On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Russia's actions were deeply concerning.

"The United States is increasingly concerned by the increasing Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine, including Russian movements on the Ukrainian border. Russia now has more troops on the Ukrainian border than ever before since 2014. Five Ukrainian soldiers have been killed this week alone. It's all very worrying signs", Psaki said.

He also said a review of the Russian government's actions would be completed within weeks, not months and that new sanctions against Moscow would not be imposed this week.

The Pentagon and State Department have also expressed their concerns about Russia's behavior in eastern Ukraine.

"We are concerned by the recent increase in Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine, including credible reports emerging about the movement of Russian troops on the borders of Ukraine and occupied Crimea", said Spokesman of State Department Ned Price this week.

Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said this week, all parties need to abide by the Minsk Agreements. Russia is required to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.