Ukrainian and Bulgarian Defense Ministers Discuss Black Sea Security and SAFE Initiative Collaboration

Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and Bulgarian Minister of National Defense Atanas Zapryanov convened for a high-level discussion during the Ramstein meeting, focusing on the critical security challenges in the Black Sea region. The meeting was a significant step in strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly under the SAFE initiative, which aims to bolster maritime security across the region.

The two ministers emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing shared security concerns, including the threat of maritime piracy, smuggling, and the need for enhanced monitoring of strategic waterways. Their dialogue also touched upon the potential for joint military exercises and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to improve regional defense capabilities. This collaboration is seen as a crucial development in the broader context of European security and stability in the Black Sea.