Russia plans no military reaction to US ships

Russia says it plans no military actions in response to the increased presence of US ships in the Black Sea.

Foreign Ministry official Andrei Nesterenko made the comments just before the flagship of the US Navy’s Mediterranean fleet arrived in the key Georgian port of Poti.

The Mount Whitney is the first US naval ship to travel to the port since Georgia fought a short war with Russia last month. Poti was bombed by Russian forces and several Georgian ships were sunk.

Harbour master Vakhtang Tavberidze says the ship, which is bringing humanitarian aid, has anchored just offshore from the port.

US officials in Washington say Russia will be allowed to inspect the Mount Whitney’s cargo.

Earlier, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin openly questioned the presence of Nato and US ships and pledged an unspecified response.

Asked by a reporter about what Russia’s response would be, Mr Nesterenko said today that international treaties regulate the presence of naval ships in the Black Sea.

He said: “There is no talk of military action.”

Earlier Russia said US aid to Georgia and recent comments by US Vice President Dick Cheney will encourage Georgia’s “aggressive ambitions.”

A Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman made the comments today as Mr Cheney continues a tour of three ex-Soviet republics including Ukraine, Georgia and Azerbaijan.

Washington announced £567 million in US economic aid for Georgia earlier this week.

Mr Cheney highlighted that aid during a visit to Tbilisi and strongly rebuked Russia for the war it fought with Georgia last month.

He also said the US strongly supports Georgia’s efforts to join Nato.