DISINFO: Greece's participation in Sea Breeze is a provocation against Russia
SUMMARY
The Russian Defense Ministry is following the movement of the Hellenic Navy's vessel "Daniolos" which is participating in NATO's Sea Breeze 2021 military exercise in the Black Sea. The participation of the Greek military vessel is a provocation that could lead to a deterioration of Greek-Russian bilateral ties as "Sea Breeze 2021" aims to challenge Russia's rights in the Black Sea.
RESPONSE
Recurring disinformation narrative about NATO and its military exercises.
In this specific case, the presence of a Greek navy vessel is used, along with the same context as a previous claim that a UK vessel flagrantly violated Russia's maritime border in Crimea. However, Greece is a member of NATO since 1952 and is one of the 21 states participating in Sea Breeze 2021.
Sea Breeze is a multinational military exercise that has been held in Ukraine since 1997. Sea Breeze is not aimed at "developing military provocations" against Russia, but to enhance the defensive capability of Ukraine and to bring the Ukrainian fleet closer to NATO standards.
It’s worth reminding that NATO is a defensive alliance, whose purpose is to protect its member states. The primary aim of the alliance is to maintain peace and safeguard the independence, security and territorial integrity of its members. NATO follows strict procedures and emphasises transparency during military training exercises, which are announced months in advance and are subject to international scrutiny.
See similar disinformation claim alleging that NATO will supply Ukraine with modern weapons by using Sea Breeze as a cover; or that Sea Breeze exercise is a provocative NATO attack on Russia in the Black Sea region; or that “Sea Breeze” was a total failure thanks to Russia.