US Admiral Robert Burke's statements on the Black Sea are dangerous, behind them there may be intentions to escalate the situation in the region, the head of the International Committee of the State Duma Leonid Slutsky wrote in his Telegram channel.
Earlier, Admiral Robert Burke, commander of the US Navy in Europe and Africa, said that it could be argued that Russia was "provoking" the United States to strike first in the Black Sea, but noted that this would not happen if there were no provocations. His words were quoted by Business Insider.
"As for Admiral Burke's statements - perhaps we see an attempt at the expense of Russophobic hysteria to veil the true intentions of NATO countries to escalate the situation in the Black Sea basin. This is not just verbal rattling of weapons, this is an extremely destructive and dangerous statement," Slutsky wrote.
He also notes that the US admiral's words about Russia allegedly provoking the US to strike in the Black Sea are the usual rhetoric for Washington and an attempt to once again "lay the blame on someone else’s door".
Burke's words are especially dissonant against the background of the recent incident with the invasion of Russian territorial waters by a British destroyer, the politician added.
"At that time, Russian border guards professionally and accurately suppressed exactly what is called a "provocation." We will continue to protect the state border and give a harsh rebuff to anyone who tries to violate it," Slutsky wrote.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Federation Council
Based on materials from RIA Novosti