KIEV -- American Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ross has entered Ukraine's southern seaport of Odessa, the press service of the Ukrainian Navy command reported on Tuesday.

"The ship arrived in the framework of expanding international cooperation and strengthening partnerships between Ukraine and NATO member countries," informed the press service.

USS Ross destroyer entered the Black Sea on Dec 13, becoming the 8th American Navy ship to visit the region this year.

USS Ross destroyer already visited Odessa before taking part in the international Sea Breeze 2016 navy drills. Before coming to the Ukrainian port, the ship stayed in Constanta (Romania) and Varna (Bulgaria), where it conducted security operations.