NATO will deploy additional forces and assets for intelligence and surveillance in the Black Sea region following a series of incidents involving damage to and the sinking of vessels near the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania.
The decision was announced by Alliance spokesperson Alison Hart after a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, where NATO ambassadors discussed the security situation in the Black Sea, Sky News reports.
The Alliance has already strengthened its posture on the eastern flank, including with counter-drone capabilities. Now, allies will send additional resources to the region to provide support in surveillance, intelligence and the conduct of assessments.
- Romania has blamed Russia for attacks on vessels in the Black Sea and called for the issue to be considered at the NATO General Assembly.
- The incidents occurred after drone attacks on at least five other cargo ships near the coast of Romania and neighbouring Bulgaria, which is also a NATO member.