Bulgaria explains how Russia blocks export of Ukrainian grain in Black Sea

Bulgarian Defence Minister Todor Tagarev has said that Russia is using fictitious military exercises in the Black Sea to block the export of Ukrainian grain, which poses a risk to Bulgaria's security.

Source: European Pravda, citing Tagarev on the air of Bulgarian national radio on Friday, quoted by The Sofia Globe.

Tagarev said that there are "preconditions for incidents in the Black Sea":

"Russian ships are roaming around our exclusive economic zone, taking provocative and forceful actions against merchant ships of other countries. All this poses risks to our security," the Bulgarian minister said.

He explained that Russia's goal is to block the export of Ukrainian grain, and this "also hinders the achievement of our interests, especially the economic ones".

Tagarev also explained the decision to transfer faulty S-300 missiles to Ukraine by saying that Bulgaria should take care of its own security while partially helping Ukraine.

"In this particular case, to protect civilians from killing and infrastructure destruction by Russia, which is using drones, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, everything it has to attack and kill civilians. I think even if we help minimally, it’s worth it," the Bulgarian defence minister said.

Bulgaria is negotiating with its NATO allies on how to respond to Russia's partial blockage of its Black Sea exclusive economic zone.

Earlier, Tagarev admitted the possibility of a clash between Russia and NATO in the Black Sea.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!