There are plans to deploy additional marine units, coastal artillery, and ships to the Azov Sea, according to Ukrainian Navy Commander Ihor Voronchenko.

"We are planning to increase our naval group, marines, and artillery in the Azov Sea in order to ensure solid protection of the entire perimeter and peaceful industrial activity in the Azov Sea waters," the press center of the Ukrainian Navy commander cited Voronchenko as saying on Wednesday.

The Navy began the command-and-staff exercise Storm 2018 together with other military forces and law enforcement agencies in the south of Ukraine on August 28, he said.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' General Staff will take part in the exercise together with the Ground Forces, the Air Force, the Special Operations Forces, the State Border Service, the National Guard, and the Defense Ministry's Special Transport Service.

The exercise will have two stages, namely troop control in an air defense and stabilization operation, and defense of the Black Sea coast.