Russian Navy denies training dolphins for military purpose

The Russian Navy refuted reports Wednesday that it has been conducting training combat dolphins in Crimea.

"The Black Sea Fleet has to implement a big volume of training missions. Trainings with dolphins are not listed among them," Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told reporters.

Noting that the fleet's bases "are reliably protected against subversive attacks by special technical means," Konashenkov said the army has no need to use any sea animals for military purposes.

"That work was finished after the Soviet Union's disintegration and the animals were sold," Interfax news agency quoted him as saying.

Earlier on Wednesday, several Russian media, including the state-run RIA Novosti news agency, reported that special navy units have resumed training of combat dolphins in the Crimean city of Sevastopol, where the Black Sea Fleet's principal base is located.

On Monday, the Black Sea Fleet revealed plans to build more military camps in Crimea while receiving new ships, submarines and auxiliary vessels in 2015.

Crimea joined Russia in March after a local referendum, which was not recognized by Ukraine and major Western countries. Enditem