We are talking about strengthening the military protection of the coast, strengthening relations with other regions, and strengthening counteraction to disinformation.
The State Secretary (Deputy Minister) of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Tobias Lindner, said that the Black Sea region is very important for the EU and NATO, so they should make efforts to ensure security here. He said this during a panel discussion at the First Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimean Platform, Ukrinform reports.
“It is clear to us that the strategic role of the Black Sea region is becoming increasingly important for the European Union: all the countries in the region, except Russia, of course, are either EU members or candidate countries, or have expected European. Therefore, it is important for the Euro-Atlantic partners to join forces,” said Lindner.
He announced three proposals for strengthening NATO’s role in the region: strengthening military protection of the coast, strengthening relations with other regions, and strengthening counteraction to disinformation.
According to Lindner, the Russian Federation is using its Black Sea Fleet and military bases in illegally occupied Crimea to conduct missile strikes on Ukraine. Other countries in the region, peaceful shipping is threatened by drifting mines. Russia is also blocking grain shipments, affecting global supply chains and prices on world food markets.
He recalled that the world had seen Russia’s flagrant and numerous violations of international law even before the aggression began on February 24, 2022.
As Lindner noted, Russia continues to do so, in particular, by illegally occupying gas platforms in the northwestern part of the Black Sea that belong to Ukraine, blocking large areas in Black and Azov Seas from shipping, as well as using international airspace. .
“Russia is the main reason why ongoing conflicts in the region, especially on the territory of Moldova and Georgia, continue to pose a threat to the region,” he said.
In addition, according to the diplomat, Russia is using disinformation to destabilize Moldova and refuses to withdraw its illegal troops from Transnistria, and has also shaken Georgia over the control of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Lindner emphasized that Germany expresses firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, political independence, and territorial integrity. All this is reflected in Berlin’s support for the Crimean Platform.
“It is important not to forget Crimea. Crimea is part of Ukraine. The international community does not recognize and has never recognized the annexation of 2014, which took place in violation of international law,” said the German Deputy Foreign Minister.
Recall that Romania is hosting the First Black Sea Security Conference.
The de-occupation of Crimea has no alternative – Zelensky
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.