Zelensky and Bulgarian PM discuss security in Black Sea region in phone call

On the International Day of the Black Sea, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, held a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Nikolay Denkov.

The Office of the President reported this.

The issues of ensuring security in the Black Sea region in the context of Russia's gross violation of freedom of navigation and the state of implementation of the set of agreements reached during the official visit of the Head of State to Bulgaria in July 2023 were discussed.

"It's symbolic that our conversation is taking place on the International Black Sea Action Day. Unfortunately, Russia's aggression has turned the Black Sea region into a zone of war and a threat to freedom of navigation. We must, through joint efforts, find ways to ensure security in this region important for Europe and the world," Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.

The President informed in detail about Ukraine's efforts to ensure global food security through the functioning of an alternative export corridor. In this context, a joint initiative involving Bulgaria, Türkiye, and Romania regarding mine action in the Black Sea area was noted as a practical contribution to ensuring security in the Black Sea region. Volodymyr Zelensky stated Ukraine's readiness to participate in demining projects actively.

Particular attention was paid to critical issues of bilateral cooperation.

"I highly appreciate the intensification of Ukrainian-Bulgarian cooperation. We can already see how our unity, the strong position of Black Sea states, works against Russian aggression. We are also grateful for Bulgaria's political support for Ukraine's European aspirations, active participation in the implementation of the Solidarity Lanes and the Ukrainian Peace Formula," the head of state noted.

The President separately informed Nikolay Denkov about the situation on the front line and the priority needs of the defense forces of Ukraine. In this context, he thanked for the recent decisions of the Bulgarian government to strengthen the military capabilities of our country. He emphasized the priority of enhancing Ukrainian air defense before the start of the winter period.