Why these 3 NATO countries established a joint force to clear mines in the Black Sea

Although not a NATO operation, a joint minesweeping force would be the first major coordinated effort by the organization's member states in the Black Sea.

Ukraine đã sử dụng phương tiện không người lái dưới nước để tấn công Hạm đội Biển Đen của Nga hôm 1/8. (Nguồn: Moscow Times)

Türkiye has referred to an international agreement that allows warships from only Black Sea littoral states to pass through the waters to prevent the risk of conflict escalating. Photo: An unmanned vehicle in the Black Sea. (Source: Moscow Times)

Bulgaria, Romania and Türkiye are discussing the creation of a joint force to clear mines in the Black Sea, with a unit expected to be launched as early as November.

With Russia's attacks on Ukraine coming ever closer to NATO's borders, the military alliance is trying to balance its responses to the incidents to avoid further escalation with Moscow.

Mines pushed ashore by waves in Bulgaria, Romania and Türkiye and the weakening of trade routes have forced the three NATO member states to step up their defences.

Although not a NATO operation, a joint mine-clearing force would be the first major coordinated effort by NATO member states in the Black Sea since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict (February 2022).

Military officials from the three countries stressed that the joint force is intended to be “entirely peaceful ” and “will not introduce any new NATO ships to the Black Sea.” One of the goals of the mission is to demonstrate that the three countries are capable of handling their own affairs.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, NATO member states have increased surveillance and reconnaissance in the region, but have not increased naval activity.

Türkiye has referred to an international agreement that allows warships from only Black Sea littoral states to pass through the waters to prevent the risk of conflict escalating. At the same time, Ankara does not allow other ships, including those from NATO allies, to pass through the Black Sea.

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