KIEV, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian-U.S. naval exercises Sea Breeze 2020 started in the Black Sea, Ukrainian Defence Ministry said on Monday.
According to the ministry's statement, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the drills will be limited to the maritime phase and all joint events will be held in the Black Sea without personnel contact.
Oleksiy Neizhpapa, commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said the main task of Sea Breeze 2020 is to practice operations aimed at ensuring peace and security in the Black Sea region and at the same time meeting NATO standards.
Sea Breeze 2020 will last seven days, involving some 2,000 servicemen and over 20 ships and aircraft from eight countries, namely Ukraine, the United States, Bulgaria, Georgia, Spain, Norway, Romania and Turkey.
During the drills, the ships of the participating countries will conduct joint tactical maneuvers, improve communication skills, carry out mine action, and transfer cargo on the move.
The annual Sea Breeze naval exercise has been held in Ukraine since 1997 as part of NATO's Partnership for Peace program. Enditem
