SEVASTOPOL, April 13. /TASS/. Control over the Black Sea is an important component in the standoff between Russia and the West, and Russia will not cede its advantage in the region, State Duma Deputy from Sevastopol Dmitry Belik told TASS, commenting on Kiev’s plans to demilitarize the Black Sea and at the same time turn it into a "NATO sea."

"It is clear that Russia’s strategic advantage in the Black Sea is a thorn in the side of the West, whose commands the Kiev regime abides by, [Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry] Kuleba being one representative of that regime. The fight for control over the Black Sea is an important component in the standoff between Russia and the West; therefore Russia will not give up its advantage here," Belik said.

He underscored that, although Russia has a strategic advantage in the Black Sea, there are no obstacles to travel or trade for other states, despite Kiev’s claims to the contrary.

Previously, Ukrinform reported that, speaking via a video call at the Black Sea security conference in Bucharest, Dmitry Kuleba stated that the Black Sea should be designated as a "NATO sea."

In response, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the Black Sea will never become a "NATO sea." He added that it must be a sea of cooperation, interaction and security for all coastal states.