Russian Navy Amphibious Group Enters Black Sea

The Russian navy's large landing ship Korolev sets sail in the Dardanelles, on its way to the Black Sea, in Canakkale, Turkey [Yoruk Isik/Reuters] 

Business Insider: VIDEO: Russian amphibious assault ships are sailing into the Black Sea, moving more combat power closer to Ukraine 

* Six Russian amphibious landing ships are sailing into the Black Sea. 

* Russia claims these ships movements are purely for naval exercises to "protect Russian national interests in the world ocean." 

* Despite moving over 130,000 troops to the Ukrainian border, Russia denies plans to invade Ukraine. 

Six Russian amphibious assault ships are sailing into the Black Sea to take part in naval exercises, according to Russia's Ministry of Defense. The move delivers more Russian military power closer to Ukraine as tensions persist. 

The Russian ships are moving into the area to "work out the actions of the Navy and Aerospace Forces to protect Russian national interests in the world ocean, as well as to counter military threats to the Russian Federation from sea and ocean directions," Russia's defense ministry said in a statement Tuesday. 

Russia previously announced a number of military exercises covering all areas of responsibility for the Russian fleet.  

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WNU Editor: The Russian Navy has announced large areas of the Black Sea to be off-limits for naval exercises .... Russian Navy Restricts Black Sea Shipping With Live-Fire Drill Areas (The Maritime Executive). 

Russian Navy Amphibious Group Enters Black Sea  

Russian Navy’s amphibious assault ships transiting Black Sea straits for massive drills -- TASS  

UPDATED: Russian Navy Amphibious Group Enters Black Sea as Warships Mass in the Mediterranean -- USNI News  

Six Russian Warships Sailing From Mediterranean To Black Sea For Drills -- RFE  

Six Russian amphibious landing ships headed for Black Sea -- UPI 

Russian warships depart Syrian port for drills in Black Sea -- Middle East Eye  

Russia sends warships toward Black Sea as Europe ramps up Ukraine crisis diplomacy -- Washington Post  

Ukraine crisis: Russia warships heading to Black Sea for drills -- Al Jazeera