Bulgaria creates working group on security in Black Sea region due to Russian provocations

Bulgarian Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov announced this at the second Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimean Platform.

He emphasized that the Russian Federation poses a threat to NATO's collective security, and that provocations by the Russian Navy pose a risk to security in Bulgaria.

"Bulgaria adheres to the NATO charter and the strategic compass. Russia is clearly a threat to collective security. The Russian Navy and its provocative actions against peaceful ships in the Black Sea pose a security risk to Bulgaria. Military actions are hampering the export of Ukrainian food through the Bulgarian economic zone. Sea mines affect economic supply lines in the Black Sea region. It is in NATO's interest to counter this threat," Zapryanov emphasized.

He explained that this was the reason why the Republic of Bulgaria created a working group on security in the Black Sea region.

"That is why Bulgaria has established a working group to deal with security in the Black Sea region. It is a priority for us to work together and ensure this security," the defense minister said.

• On January 11, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania signed an agreement on a joint plan to clear the Black Sea of mines.
• On January 13, Bulgaria's Defense Ministry said that its joint operation with Romania and Turkey to create a mine countermeasures group in the Black Sea is designed to make shipping in the region safer. In particular, for Ukrainian maritime trade and agricultural exports.