Russia’s war on Ukraine reflects a larger challenge to the West, with support from China, particularly in the South China Sea and the Black Sea. The Black Sea is strategically important, linking north-west and south-eastern Europe, and crucial for maritime trade and grain exports from Ukraine, vital for global food supplies, especially in Africa and Asia. It also plays a key role in Russia’s oil exports, funding its military efforts. Moreover, significant natural gas reserves in the region could help Europe reduce its reliance on Russian gas, although these are vulnerable to Russian hybrid tactics. An objective at the core of Russia’s war is to gain control of Ukraine’s Black Sea coastline, creating a direct border with NATO and complicating defense in the Danube Delta. To bolster security, NATO must enhance surveillance and air defense and support trilateral cooperation among Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye to keep the Black Sea open for global trade.
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Security Challenges in the Black Sea
This report was published on Wednesday 30 October 2024.
About the authors
George Scutaru is the CEO and co-founder of the New Strategy Center and former Romanian Parliament member.
Peter Watkins is an Associate Fellow for Chatham House and a Visiting Senior Fellow with LSE IDEAS.