On May 30–31, the Black Sea Security Forum was held in Odesa for the second consecutive year — a key regional event in the field of international security and geopolitics. The platform brought together Ukrainian and international leaders, experts, policymakers, military officials, and civil society representatives to jointly seek solutions to strengthen stability in the Black Sea region.
The Ukraine Rebuilding Alliance team joined the Forum, as we are convinced: Black Sea security is a matter of responsibility — to citizens, to partners, and to the future.
Russia’s full-scale invasion has fundamentally altered the geopolitical balance in the region. What was until recently a space of trade, transport, diplomacy, and cooperation has turned into a war zone — an area of risk, a territory Russia seeks to exploit as a channel of pressure. Within this context, Odesa is a strategic point on the map of Europe.
Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov called for the urgent implementation of civil infrastructure protection systems. “If there’s poison — there must be an antidote. We must act swiftly and decisively to protect our cities,” he said, emphasizing the need for bold and immediate action.
Romanian MP Ștefan Țîntă stated that his country is ready to participate in ceasefire monitoring in the Black Sea and has already formed a joint naval group with Bulgaria and Turkey for demining operations. “An open Black Sea is a prerequisite for economic development across three continents,” he emphasized.
Participants noted that Ukraine has already demonstrated its ability to act proactively in the Black Sea — and must continue on this path, particularly through fleet modernization and the expansion of naval capabilities.
Discussions also highlighted the strategic role of the Danube. The ports of the Greater Danube helped break the maritime blockade and saved millions of people around the world from food shortages. This is why Odesa’s positioning today affects not only Ukraine’s food and security situation but also the global one.
The restoration of port infrastructure (estimated cost: €1 billion), stability in agriculture, and the return of exports are no less critical than defense. There can be no lasting security without a functioning economy.
The Forum also underscored another vital issue — the need for systemic engagement with neighboring countries, particularly Moldova and Romania. Elections in these states revealed that Ukraine has long ignored dialogue with border communities. This is a mistake that must be corrected through humanitarian diplomacy, cultural initiatives, and interregional cooperation.
Meanwhile, Russia continues to exploit the Transnistrian region as a tool of hybrid influence. This “grey zone” is becoming increasingly toxic — not just for Ukraine but for regional stability as a whole. Security in the Black Sea is not a local issue. It concerns Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Canada, and the entire democratic world.
We cannot allow this space to remain dominated by force and fear. We must transform the Black Sea into a space of cooperation, stability, and development.
Our organization will continue working to ensure that Ukraine’s voice is heard clearly — and that Odesa remains a central player in Europe’s security architecture.
