Theoretically, NATO ships could open fire on the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. This was stated by Business Insider, the commander of the US Navy in Europe and Africa, Admiral Robert Burke.
According to him, there is a possibility of a strike if Russia provokes against the alliance’s forces, and the captain of the NATO ship considers it a threat. “I will not require my commanders to strike the first jaw,” said the American admiral. At the same time, he stressed that the military would not be the first to shoot either.
Burke noted that Russian ships and planes constantly accompany NATO forces in the Black Sea. Usually the actions of the Russian military are professional in nature and do not look like acts of aggression.