Ukraine and Romania Strengthen Cooperation to Protect Shipping in the Black Sea

Ukraine and Romania have agreed to deepen cooperation on civilian maritime security and counter growing threats in the Black Sea region. These issues were discussed on October 23 during the first telephone conversation between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Romania’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Dan Neculăescu.

The ministers paid particular attention to Russian attacks on commercial vessels. On October 23, the Comoros-flagged cargo ship KHORYV sank following a drone strike near the Romanian port of Constanța. The vessel was carrying 13 Ukrainian and Azerbaijani crew members. Nine sailors were rescued, one Ukrainian citizen was killed, and three Ukrainian crew members remain missing.

During October, a series of attacks on commercial vessels was recorded near the coasts of Romania and Bulgaria, including strikes against YARA J and WINE TRADER. At least eight commercial vessels have reportedly been affected in the region, increasing risks to international maritime transport and the operation of trade corridors.

Romania has intensified cooperation with NATO allies, particularly Bulgaria and Türkiye, to strengthen maritime surveillance capabilities in the Black Sea. The Odesa Triangle format, involving Ukraine, Romania, and Moldova, could also become an important platform for further regional cooperation.

Commentary by the Institute of Danube Research (IDR)

According to IDR experts, growing threats to civilian shipping in the western Black Sea extend beyond maritime security and directly affect the economic resilience of the Danube region.

Ensuring safe maritime access to the ports of Constanța, Sulina, Izmail, and Reni is particularly important, as these ports support Ukraine’s international transport connections with European markets. Further escalation could increase maritime insurance premiums, transportation costs, and disruptions to export and import operations.

The Institute of Danube Research emphasizes that protecting maritime navigation requires a comprehensive regional approach, including stronger joint maritime surveillance, operational information exchange, counter-drone capabilities, and the secure operation of the Danube transport corridor.

Deeper cooperation among Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria, supported by the EU and NATO, could become a crucial factor in establishing a resilient maritime security framework, safeguarding international trade, and strengthening economic stability throughout the Black Sea–Danube region.