"Crimeans do not fear a thing. In Crimea we already have enough Russian army units. Let's not forget that we also have the Black Sea fleet that is stationed here forever. So, we do not have any problems with NATO polices. [Russian] President Vladimir Putin took adequate measures amid the NATO decision [to commence Sea Breeze drills] and to date created four divisions, which will enhance the group, including its south-west flank," Aksenov said, when asked on possible threats due to NATO-led Sea Breeze exercises.
Sea Breeze is an annual air, land and maritime exercise designed to improve maritime safety, security and stability in the Black Sea, according to the US Navy. Russia has protested the presence of US and NATO warships in the Black Sea, citing a 1936 convention that restricts warship tonnage in bodies of water for nations that do not border the waterway.
Russian Defense Ministry said on Wednesday that Russia’s Southern Military District, which Crimea is a part of, has been reinforced with four new divisions, nine brigades and 22 regiments, including two guided missile brigades, since 2013 in response to NATO’s buildup in Eastern Europe.
Russia's historical southern region of Crimea rejoined Russia after a 2014 referendum. Over 96 percent of the region's population voted for reunification in a referendum. Sevastopol, which has a federal city status, supported the move by 95.6 percent of votes.
