The US Navy normally operates in the Black Sea, but a deployment of warships would now send a specific message to Moscow that the US is closely monitoring, the official said.
The US is required to give 14 days’ notice of its intention to enter the Black Sea under a 1936 treaty that gives Turkey control of the straits to enter the sea. It is not clear if another notification has been sent.
The defense official also said that the Navy continues to pilot reconnaissance aircraft in the international airspace over the Black Sea to monitor the Russian naval activity and any movement of the Crimean troops.
On Wednesday, two American B-1 bombers carried out missions across the Aegean on Wednesday.
Although the United States does not consider the pooling of Russian forces as a stance for an offensive action, the official told CNN that “if something changes, we will be ready to respond.” Their current assessment is that the Russians are organizing training and exercises, and the intelligence services have not indicated military orders for further action, the official said, but noted that they are aware that it could change at any time.
The Biden administration and the international community have expressed concern about growing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. In recent weeks, President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Tony Blinken, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan have spoken with their Ukrainian counterparts.
“We are concerned about the recent escalation of Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine, including credible reports emanating from the movements of Russian troops on the borders of Ukraine and occupied Crimea,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said this week.
“We have asked Russia for an explanation for these challenges, but most importantly, what we have signaled directly to our Ukrainian partners is a message of reassurance,” he said.
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said this week that it was important “for all parties to abide by the Minsk Agreement” and “for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty to be respected by Russia.”
On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops to disqualify the situation, according to a German government spokesman.
According to a reading from the Kremlin of the appeal, Putin accused Kiev of “provocative actions”.