NATO to increase intelligence in the Black Sea

NATO and Allies are stepping up surveillance and reconnaissance in the Black Sea region, including with maritime patrol aircraft and drones.

This is a statement following a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council.

The NATO ambassadors and the invited Swedish ambassador were joined by Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development Oleksandr Kubrakov and Deputy Chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksii Hromov in a video format.

The allies condemned Russia's withdrawal from the grain deal, its "cynical use of hunger as a weapon", and its attacks on port cities.

"Russia’s actions also pose substantial risks to the stability of the Black Sea region, which is of strategic importance to NATO. Allies are stepping up support to Ukraine and increasing our vigilance. We remain ready to defend every inch of Allied territory from any aggression," said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Since last year, NATO has significantly increased its presence in the region, including with two new multinational battlegroups in Bulgaria and Romania.

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