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Russia’s militarization of Crimea has been described as a “direct threat” to Europe by a leading geopolitical analyst from Turkey the center for defense strategies. Alexander Khara has warned that the Russian missile supply on the embattled peninsula could hit “any capital in Europe”. Mr Khara’s concern comes amid renewed tensions in the Black Sea as NATO forces conduct military exercises near Russian territory.
Mr. Khara RT said the military exercises were a “good opportunity” to demonstrate the Russian threat.
He said: “It is a good opportunity to show regional cooperation and to show regional powers and powers outside the region the threat that Russia poses.
“Not just for Ukraine, not just for the region, but for the European continent as a whole.
“Strong militarization of Crimea, including the nuclear component, is a direct threat to Europe.”
“The nuclear missiles can reach every single capital of Europe.
“And these missiles are capable of carrying the nuclear warhead,” the defense analyst continued.
“This way, the military from different nations participating in this exercise can see what techniques Russia is developing.
“And tries to be reflected in other areas such as the Baltic Sea, for example in the Arctic or in the Far East.”
Last month Russia released footage of the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Defender being attacked with warning shots off the coast of Crimea.
The Russian Federal Security Bureau (FSB) released the tape on June 24, which appeared to have been taken aboard the coast guard vessel challenging HMS Defender.
“If you don’t change course to starboard, I’ll shoot,†the Coast Guard officer warns the British destroyer.
“You have to leave the territorial sea of ​​the Russian Federation immediately,” the Russian captain repeated.
Then he turns around to give his crew the order in Russian to “fire warning shotsâ€.
He orders: “Don’t repeat, don’t hit defender. Confirm, over. “
The Royal Navy ship was at the center of a tense dispute between Russia and Britain after Russian military officials claimed the destroyer was challenged by a patrol ship
A Defense Department statement published at the time said: “No warning shots were fired at the HMS Defender. The Royal Navy ship conducts an innocent passage through Ukrainian territorial waters in accordance with international law.
“We believe the Russians conducted a gun drill in the Black Sea and warned the sailors of their activity. HMS Defender was not shot and we do not recognize claims that bombs were dropped on its way.”
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