Intel: Russian naval exercises could fuel Greece-Turkey standoff in EastMed
A planned Russian drill could worsen an already tense standoff between Greece and Turkey in the energy-rich and disputed eastern Mediterranean Sea.
![1228397262 Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades speaks during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) at the presidential palace in the capital Nicosia, on September 8, 2020. (Photo by Iakovos HATZISTAVROU / AFP) (Photo by IAKOVOS HATZISTAVROU/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2020/09/GettyImages-1228397262.jpg/GettyImages-1228397262.jpg?h=1d34674f&itok=ZpYOoMoS)
Turkey issued two navigational warnings Wednesday regarding Russian plans for live-fire naval exercises this month in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, according to a notice from the Turkish naval forces office of navigation, hydrography and oceanography. The Russian exercises will run from Sept. 8-22 and Sept. 17-25.
Although the drills will not take place in the waters contested between Turkey and Greece, they could likely add to an already tense standoff between the two countries in the energy resource-abundant region.
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