Romania prepares for Black Sea contingencies, eyes patrols beyond mine-clearing

Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye should expand their joint Black Sea mine-clearing task force to include patrols aimed at protecting energy infrastructure and trade routes from potential Russian attacks, Romania’s Defence Minister Ionuț Moșteanu said.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Black Sea—particularly Ukrainian waters—has been a critical theatre of conflict. Drifting sea mines have posed ongoing risks to shipments of grain and oil, with several commercial vessels already damaged.

Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye, which share the Black Sea with Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia, established the de-mining task force last year.

Moșteanu told Reuters, “This project will have to be expanded to a patrol project in the coming years. We will discuss it in the near future with our allies. The Black Sea … will continue to be a battleground for Russia. We must discourage [Russia] and protect our interests, which are energy infrastructure, maritime trade, and freedom of navigation. These are our objectives, and they will be protected.”

Romania shares a 650-kilometre (400-mile) land border with Ukraine and has repeatedly seen Russian drone fragments fall onto its territory during the war. In the Black Sea, Moșteanu cited “nearly daily” attempts to jam GPS signals, likely by Russia, which consistently denies involvement.

Looking ahead, Romania is set to become the European Union’s largest gas producer and a net exporter by 2027, following the completion of a large offshore Black Sea gas project. The country has already purchased a light, ready-made warship from Türkiye and expects that plans to acquire additional small warships or corvettes will take years to implement.

Regarding Ukraine, Moșteanu indicated that Romania, which is attempting to reduce the EU’s highest budget deficit to avoid a ratings downgrade and unlock EU funds, is unlikely to contribute to NATO’s new “Priority Ukraine Requirements List” (PURL) financing mechanism.

Nevertheless, Romania has already donated a Patriot air defence battery to Ukraine, is training Ukrainian fighter pilots, and has facilitated the export of approximately 30 million metric tons of grain through its Black Sea port of Constanța.

Asked about the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, which is expected to focus on a potential peace deal for Ukraine, Moșteanu expressed hope that it would lead to a ceasefire.

“Everyone is waiting for a ceasefire and then for a just, lasting peace to be negotiated, with security guarantees for Ukraine,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova