Support for Ukraine and steps to strengthen the security in the Black Sea region and beyond. The Second Black Sea Security Conference was held in Bulgaria

On April 14-15, the Second Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimea Platform occurred in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event was attended by delegations from 43 countries and 9 international organizations. The attendees included ministers, heads of international organizations, their deputies, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Bulgaria, representatives of Ukrainian and international agencies, experts, and journalists.

During the panel discussions on the second day, April 15, participants discussed the current security challenges in the Black Sea and Azov region caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine and pointed out possible response strategies. In addition, representatives of the international community raised the issue of how Russia’s armed aggression affects global food security, the safety of navigation in the Black Sea region, and the environmental situation.

Thus, within the framework of the Second Black Sea Security Conference, Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine emphasized that the Black Sea must become the sea of NATO, peace and stability:

We must strengthen our security without second-guessing the Russian position. The Black Sea must become the sea of NATO, peace, and stability. This is the strategy that the Alliance and the Entire Euro-Atlantic community must pursue. NATO’s Black Sea flange will serve as a solid wall of protection against Russian aggression and terror. NATO must actively implement the separate comprehensive and ambitious Black Sea strategy aimed at reducing Russia’s mean influence and increasing regional stability.

In response, Atanas Zapryanov, Minister of Defence of the Republic Bulgaria, pointed out that Russia certainly poses a threat to collective security, and the Russian Navy and its provocative actions against peaceful ships in the Black Sea endanger security in Bulgaria.

That is why Bulgaria has established a workgroup that will deal with security in the Black Sea region. It is a priority for us to work together and ensure this safety,

he stated.

The Earl of Minto, Minister of State, Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom, mentioned that the Maritime Capability Coalition will help Ukraine build its fleet in the future:

Together we have laid the foundation for security. Together, we can help Ukraine become a powerful player in this field and ensure security in the region.

International partners have concluded that Ukraine has effectively used the opportunity to restrict the freedom of movement of the Russian Black Sea Fleet with drones and missiles. The success of preventing Russia from deploying its military capabilities in the temporarily occupied Crimea, Russia’s center of power in the Black Sea, is key to ending the continuous missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian people.

After active discussions and debates, the partners agreed that the Black Sea Security Conference remains an effective platform not only for exchanging opinions but also for developing practical, cooperative, and powerful steps to support Ukraine and strengthen security in the Black Sea region and beyond.