MOSCOW, 04 July 2021, (TON): Russian warplanes practiced bombing enemy ships in the Black Sea during training exercises, Russia said, amid friction with the West over NATO drills in the region and following a recent incident with a British warship.

Moscow last week challenged the right of HMS Defender to pass through waters near Crimea, something London said it had every right to do.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 but most of the world still recognises it as part of Ukraine.

Russia said “the vessel had illegally entered its territorial waters and accused London of a provocation.”

Moscow has said “it could bomb British naval vessels if there are more such actions by the British navy off Crimea.”

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet said warplanes from its aviation units and those of the southern military district had taken part in training drills.

The drills involved aircraft including Sukhoi Su-30SM multi-purpose fighters, Sukhoi Su-24M bombers, Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers and Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets, the report said.

The exercise comes as NATO, Ukraine and allies conduct their large-scale Sea Breeze drills in the region.