NATO warship to enter Black Sea – Prystaiko

"There are standing groups. Now, for example, one group has been headed by the Netherlands, and a Dutch ship has just taken command. They are also going to enter the Black Sea," he said in an interview with the 112 Ukraine television channel.

Prystaiko noted that ships had recently been entering the Black Sea more frequently.

He said that the Montreux Convention, which regulates shipping in the Black Sea straits, limits the number and tonnage of warships not owned by the Black Sea basin countries, as well as how long they can stay in the Black Sea. Therefore, according to Prystaiko, NATO uses the rotational principle - some ships come out, others come in.

At the same time, he emphasized that NATO ships cannot enter the Sea of Azov without the consent of Ukraine and Russia. Russia, according to him, has already stated that such a permit will not be given.

"That is, this process is much more complicated. I do not see why NATO would resort to provocations. In principle, NATO is not going to provoke anyone," Prystaiko added.