The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andriy Sibiga, emphasized that the Black Sea must not become a zone of Russian influence, hence the need to restore its security as an essential part of the European security architecture.
He made these remarks during an online presentation at the forum "Rebuilding Ukraine: Security, Opportunities, Investments" held in Bucharest under the auspices of the Foreign Ministries of Ukraine and Romania.
Sibiga expressed gratitude to his Romanian counterpart, Oana Coiu, for supporting Ukraine and highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership between Ukraine and Romania.
The Minister drew attention to the systematic violations of Romanian and Moldovan airspace by Russian drones. He pointed out that Russia's hybrid war in Europe is becoming increasingly less "hybrid" and more of a real war.
"When a Russian drone flies dozens of kilometers deep into Romania and spends almost an hour in Romanian or Moldovan airspace - this is not a mistake. It is a deliberate attack. It is escalation, provocation, and a test," he emphasized.
Sibiga noted that Ukraine has unique experience in countering mass drone attacks and is already contributing to ensuring European security.
"Russia's war against Ukraine is a test of whether the free world has learned the lessons of the past. There must be a clear understanding: we cannot allow a Munich-2 or a new Yalta. This is not just a slogan. It is a moral compass for our collective security," the minister asserted.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that the Black Sea is a strategic artery that cannot be a gray zone of Russian influence. He also highlighted Turkey's role in ensuring Black Sea security, freedom of navigation, and food exports.
Sibiga also emphasized the potential for further cooperation between Ukraine and Romania in the development of renewable energy in the Black Sea region.
Andriy Sibiga discussed with European Commissioner for Defense and Space, Andrius Kubilius, ways to develop closer cooperation between Ukraine's defense industries and the EU.