ISTANBUL: NATO members Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania joined forces on Thursday, signing a pivotal agreement to address the aftermath of Russia’s war in Ukraine by demining the Black Sea.
The Russian navy had mined Ukraine’s Black Sea coastline during the early stages of its invasion nearly two years ago, leading to the washing up of some mines in the waters of these three countries.
Top defence officials from the three nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Istanbul, establishing the Mine Countermeasures Naval Group in the Black Sea (MCM Black Sea). This collaborative effort aims to oversee and conduct demining operations in the region.
Turkey’s Defence Minister Yasar Guler emphasized the importance of protection from security risks, particularly regarding the threat posed by mines drifting in the Black Sea since the onset of the war. The initiative, named MCM Black Sea, features a rotating command structure and is expected to contribute to strengthening the allied posture of deterrence and defence on the eastern flank.
The agreement not only addresses security concerns but also aims to secure Ukrainian grain exports along the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, providing an alternative navigation route. This becomes crucial after a UN-brokered deal ended following Russia’s withdrawal in the summer of 2023.
The demining effort gains significance with the threat posed by floating mines, especially during winter storms, affecting not only cargo ships but also civilians and civilian vessels lacking the same protection as military counterparts.
While Turkey controls Black Sea maritime and naval traffic, the initiative involves only the ships of the three Black Sea littoral states. Contributions from other countries will be considered when conditions permit, as stated by Minister Guler.
The signing ceremony, attended by defence officials from all three nations, took place at a military residence overlooking the Bosphorus. The collaborative effort is crucial not only for regional security but also for facilitating international trade and maritime activities in the Black Sea.
