Ukraine urges the West to turn the Black Sea into a 'NATO sea'.
(Baonghean.vn) - On April 13, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba stated that NATO needs to play a larger role in security in the Black Sea and integrate Ukraine's air defense and missile defense systems with those of its allies.
 |
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Photo: AP |
Speaking remotely at the Black Sea security conference in Bucharest, Romania, Foreign Minister Kuleba emphasized: "The Black Sea plays a crucial role in helping the whole of Europe achieve its goals of peace and move towards the future. Sadly, it also demonstrates how quickly things can go wrong if the threat is underestimated. It is time to transform the Black Sea into what the Baltic Sea has become, which is NATO territory."
The head of Ukraine's foreign ministry added: "We need to work together to solve Russia's common problems. For example, I support the idea of experts to integrate Ukraine's air defense and missile defense systems with those of NATO allies in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea."
Kuleba said, “I regret to say that the West does not have a consistent Black Sea strategy, while Russia always has one: belligerence, revenge, and barbarism.” He emphasized that Ukraine wants “peaceful, law-abiding nations” to be able “once again to use the common sea for free trade, navigation, and habitation without fear of Russian warships.”
According to Mr. Kuleba, the upcoming NATO summit in Vilnius (Lithuania) is an opportunity to promote Ukraine's early membership of the military alliance, thereby demonstrating that "the door is not only open but there is also a clear plan on when and how Ukraine will be admitted."