Security at the Black Sea is the focal subject of NATO's latest summit

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BUCHAREST—NATO bridges the Atlantic Ocean but the body of water drawing the most attention recently is on its eastern edge: the Black Sea.

Long a center of regional disputes, the sea has been the main theater for Russia’s war in Ukraine, since both countries border its north shore. The Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014 and protrudes far into the sea, is home to a significant Russian fleet. 

When NATO foreign ministers meet in Romania’s capital on Tuesday, issues linked to Black Sea security will permeate the agenda, overtly or indirectly. Romania is hosting the meeting partly to draw more attention to the region.

Many politicians and geopolitical strategists in the U.S. and Europe say more attention is needed.

 

“The Black Sea is vital for NATO security given the physical confluence of so many allies, partners, and opponents” said retired U.S. Adm. James Stavridis, who served as NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander following the war in Georgia.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/russias-war-in-ukraine-shifts-black-sea-from-natos-edge-to-center-stage-11669720443?mod=e2tw