The Russian fleet and its provocative actions against peaceful ships in the Black Sea pose a risk to security, so Bulgaria has formed a working group to address security in the Black Sea region.

This was stated by the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria, Atanas Zapryanov, during the 2nd Black Sea Security Conference of the International Crimean Platform, Ukrinform reports.

"Bulgaria adheres to NATO's statute and strategic compass. Russia unquestionably poses a threat to collective security. The Russian fleet, with its provocative actions against peaceful ships in the Black Sea, poses a risk to Bulgaria's security. Military actions hinder the export of Ukrainian food through the Bulgarian economic zone. Sea mines affect the economic supply routes in the Black Sea region. And it is in NATO's interest to counter this threat," said Zapryanov.

He also announced that Bulgaria has established a working group on security in the Black Sea region.

"That is why Bulgaria has set up a working group to address security in the Black Sea region. It is a priority for us to work together and ensure this security," the minister emphasized.

Earlier, three Black Sea NATO member countries - Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey - signed a memorandum on the establishment and activities of an operational group for mine countermeasures in the Black Sea.