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Black Sea without mines: Istanbul initiated a large-scale demining operation

Foto:Depositphotos

Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria united for the safety of shipping

For the first time in history, at the initiative of Istanbul, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria launched a joint anti-mine operation in the Black Sea. This is a unique action aimed at neutralizing mines that drift in the waters and threaten the safety of shipping, in particular the export of grain from Ukraine.

War and the mine threat: why this operation is important

The war in Ukraine has created significant threats to the safe passage of goods across the Black Sea. Kyiv launched its own Black Sea export route last year after Russia violated the Safe Corridor agreement. However, this path remains risky due to the presence of mines.

Tragic consequences: an attack on ships near Odessa

Last year, a Russian missile hit a commercial vessel near the port in Odesa, killing one crew member and injuring others. A vessel chartered by agricultural giant Cargill Inc. was also damaged in the explosion. These incidents highlighted the need to ensure the safety of shipping.

Export of Ukrainian grain: return to pre-war volumes

In March of this year, Ukraine announced the return of exports from Black Sea ports to pre-war volumes, despite constant attacks from Russia. However, the ports around Odesa remain under threat.

Joint operation: the key to stability

The joint anti-mine operations of Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria aim to ensure the safety of maritime routes. This is key to stabilizing Ukrainian grain exports and supporting global food markets. At the same time, this initiative demonstrates a new level of cooperation between the Black Sea countries in solving common security problems.

Source: Bloomberg.