Romania has decided to step up surveillance of the Black Sea following attacks on ships

Following a series of attacks by Russian drones on commercial vessels, Romania’s Supreme Defense Council decided to urgently strengthen security in the Black Sea. The country plans to accelerate the development of maritime surveillance systems, air defense, and mine-countermeasure capabilities.

This was reportedby Reuters.

Romania’s Supreme Defense Council stated that the recent attacks on ships are a direct consequence of Russia’s aggression beyond Ukraine’s borders. It highlighted the threats to freedom of navigation. The Supreme Defense Council also noted that the situation poses a security crisis for Romania. The council emphasized the need to maintain free access to national ports and ensure the security of energy facilities in the exclusive economic zone.

Romania also stated that it would strengthen cooperation with other NATO members—Bulgaria and Turkey—with whom it shares access to the Black Sea.

The European Parliament called on the EU to consider the possibility of conducting a naval operation in the Black Sea following deadly attacks on civilian vessels.

The resolution was adopted on October 22. It was approved by 432 members of the European Parliament, with 52 voting against and 88 abstaining.

Over the past two weeks, at least seven cargo ships have been attacked off the coasts of NATO member states Romania and Bulgaria. About 30 sailors have been killed or are missing. On Saturday, Romanian F-16 fighter pilots shot down two latest-generation Russian drones over Romanian territorial waters.

Юлія Калабайда