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Former commander: â€œRussia can annihilate NATO warships in the Black Sea for 20 minutesâ€

29 August 2008 14:56 (UTC +04:00)

Moscow â€“APA. Russian Black Sea Fleet can annihilate NATO warships for 20 minutes, former Black Sea Fleet commander, Hero of Soviet Union Edward Baltin told RIA-Novosti, APA reports.

According to Russian General Staff the United States has three and Turkey four warships in the Black Sea area. There are also Spanish, German and Polish ships there. 8 warships more are expected to be sent in the next few days.

Baltin said NATO warships couldnâ€™t battle in the Black Sea because their large size. â€œMoscow missile cruiser and two or three missile motor boats are enough to annihilate NATO warships for 20 minutesâ€.

Baltin said the Black Sea was like mousetrap, it was possible to enter its water, but it was very difficult to leave during confrontation. â€œNot only fleet, but also aircrafts will strike on enemyâ€. He said even German warships couldnâ€™t enter the Black Sea during the World War II.

However Baltin ruled out the confrontation between Russia and NATO in the Black Sea. â€œAs a matter of experience I can say that we will not attack and they will not turn to suicideâ€.