The NATO-Ukraine Council addresses the serious security situation in the Black Sea.

During their meeting, NATO members and Ukraine all strongly condemned Russia’s decision to withdraw from the grain agreement, as well as the latest Russian missile strikes on Odesa, Mykolaiv, and other port cities, in particular on the Danube port city of Reni near the Romanian border.

Alliance members noted that Russia’s new warning zone in the Black Sea within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone has created new risks of miscalculations and escalation and serious obstacles to freedom of navigation.

NATO also welcomed Turkey’s efforts to restore the grain agreement and the actions of Bulgaria, Romania, and other Alliance members to ensure unimpeded export of Ukrainian grain by land and sea.

In addition, NATO and its members have confirmed that they will continue increased surveillance and reconnaissance in the Black Sea region, including with the help of maritime patrol aircraft and drones.