Romania has called on Bulgaria and Turkey to expand the joint mission to clear sea mines in the Black Sea, including patrols to protect energy infrastructure and trade routes from potential Russian attacks. This was stated by Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu to "Reuters", BTA reports.
The mine clearance mission, which until now has only dealt with clearing floating mines, was created last year. According to Mosteanu, the project should expand into "patrol operation in the coming years", with the main goal being to protect energy facilities, maritime trade routes and freedom of navigation.
"The Black Sea will continue to be a theater of military operations for Russia. We must deter it and protect our interests," Mosteanu said, adding that attempts to jam GPS signals on a daily basis have been observed in the region, which Romania blames on Russia.
Romania, which borders Ukraine for 650 km, plans to become the EU's largest gas producer and net exporter by 2027 after completing a major project to extract gas from the Black Sea. The country has already purchased a light warship from Turkey and expects to gradually purchase more small ships and corvettes.
In addition, Romania has provided a Patriot air defense battery to Ukraine, trained Ukrainian pilots, and facilitated the export of about 30 million tons of grain through the port of Constanta.
The minister expressed hope that the upcoming summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska will lead to a ceasefire and a just, lasting peace in Ukraine with security guarantees.