Russian warships cross Bosphorus en route to Black Sea

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

Photo shows the 156 “Yamal” assault ship crossing the Bosphorus strait. DHA Photo

Two Russian warships crossed the Bosphorus Strait earlier today en route to a Black Sea fleet, while one Ukrainian ship is also reported to be entering the Marmara Sea through the Dardanelles Strait.

The 150 “Saratov” landing ship and the 156 “Yamal” assault ship crossed the strait around 05:30 GMT, en route to the Black Sea, Anadolu Agency reported. No coast guard units were seen escorting the ships.

Russia summoned the two warships to its Black Sea fleet after it began to strengthen its military presence in the Crimea. Kyiv’s U.N. ambassador, Yuriy Sergeyev, said yesterday Russia had deployed roughly 16,000 troops to Crimea since last week.

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian vessel, “Hetman Sahaidachny,” crossed the Dardanelles. The Ukrainian ship is also expected to enter the Black Sea through the Bosphorus.