The U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, addressed the attendees of the Second Black Sea Security Conference in Sofia, Bulgaria, via a video feed, assuring allies bordering the Black Sea of his country’s support to make the region more secure, prosperous, and integrated. He emphasized the importance of investing in the region’s security to ensure peace and freedom across Europe, especially in light of Russia’s illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, which has been a key hub supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine ordered by President Vladimir Putin in 2022. Blinken stated that the United States will continue to support Ukraine in defending itself and standing on its feet.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba also addressed the conference via video, highlighting the need for essential military support for Ukraine, including artillery, ammunition, and air defense systems, to bolster its capacity in the face of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion. Kuleba stressed that increasing the capabilities of Ukraine’s air defense would strengthen regional and global stability, protecting the security of Ukraine’s neighbors and the entire Black Sea region from Russian aerial threats. He emphasized that Moscow only understands the language of force, and anything else is seen as a weakness.
Kuleba called for the Black Sea to become “the sea of NATO, of peace and stability,” urging the alliance to implement a comprehensive and ambitious Black Sea strategy aimed at reducing Russia’s malign influence in the region. NATO, which recently marked its 75th anniversary, is considering a plan to provide more predictable longer-term military support to Ukraine. The Kremlin’s demands for Kyiv to acknowledge Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea and recognize the annexation of Ukrainian provinces have been adamantly refused by Ukraine, further escalating tensions in the region.
The conference, co-organized by the Bulgarian and Ukrainian foreign and defense ministries in partnership with Ukraine’s Centre for Defence Strategies, seeks to strengthen security in the Black Sea region. The countries bordering the Black Sea, including Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine, face challenges from Russia’s aggressive actions and influence in the region. The discussions at the conference focused on enhancing cooperation among allies and partners to ensure the security and stability of the Black Sea area amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, exacerbated by the annexation of Crimea and the invasion of Ukrainian territories, has raised concerns about regional security and stability. The United States’ commitment to supporting Ukraine in its defense efforts and standing up to Russian aggression is crucial for maintaining peace and freedom in Europe. The calls for NATO to develop a comprehensive Black Sea strategy to counter Russia’s influence and enhance security in the region reflect the collective efforts of allies to address common challenges and uphold shared values of peace and stability in the Black Sea area.
The Black Sea Security Conference serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among countries facing threats and challenges in the region. The discussions on military support, regional stability, and countering Russian influence underscore the shared commitment to enhancing security and prosperity in the Black Sea area. As tensions persist in the region, efforts to strengthen alliances, increase defense capabilities, and uphold international norms are essential to safeguarding peace and stability in the Black Sea region and beyond.
