Leaders from Across Southern Europe Unite in Odesa to Counter Russian Aggression and Secure Black Sea
Today, the strategic port city of Odesa hosted the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit, where leaders from across Southern Europe convened to strengthen regional security and confront ongoing Russian aggression. The high-level gathering underscored a growing alignment among Black Sea and Balkan nations, united by the shared understanding that the fate of the region—and Europe—hinges on what happens in Ukraine.
The summit opened with a memorial at the Alley of Heroes, where President Volodymyr Zelensky laid flowers in honor of Ukraine’s fallen soldiers. It was a solemn start to a day of urgent and direct diplomacy.
“The security of Southeastern Europe and the Black Sea is indivisible,” Zelensky declared. “This has been obvious to Ukraine since 2014 and became clear to the entire continent in 2022. Yet, even today, we are compelled to fight not only for our country but to ensure this reality becomes the cornerstone of a new regional policy.”
Zelensky was joined by:
- President Maia Sandu of Moldova
- President Nikușor Dan of Romania
- President Jakov Milatović of Montenegro
- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece
- Prime Minister Andrej Plenković of Croatia
- Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov of Bulgaria
- Speaker Eliza Spiropali of the Albanian Parliament
- First Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mejiti of North Macedonia
- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon of Slovenia
Moldova’s Sandu warned of Russia’s expanding hybrid operations:
“While Russia wages war on Ukraine, it subverts our democracies from within—spreading lies, buying influence, and backing forces that won’t stand with Ukraine. We must resist—together.”
Romania’s President Dan was equally direct:
“The only language Russia understands is force. Romania will work with Ukraine on Black Sea demining, including addressing drifting sea mines, to strengthen our regional security.”
His statement builds on the 2024 Ukraine–Romania Security Cooperation Agreement and the joint Mine Countermeasures Task Group now operating in the Black Sea under NATO observation.
Though other leaders offered no public remarks, their presence—particularly from NATO and EU member states—sent a unified message.
The summit also comes amid intelligence warnings that Russia may attempt to seize Odesa as part of a broader effort to establish a land corridor to Romania, reviving Cold War ambitions under a new “USSR 2.0” model.
This threat gained credibility following Russia’s 2023 revocation of support for Moldova’s sovereignty over Transnistria.
The summit’s agenda focused on practical coordination: maritime security, mine clearance, and countering disinformation. Black Sea demining remains a high priority, with several states discussing the expansion of joint naval patrols and sensor-sharing networks under NATO guidance.
As the leaders departed, the summit left a clear message:
the defense of Ukraine, Moldova, and Romania is now understood as a shared imperative.
With Russia’s ambitions pressing against Europe’s southeastern edge, the region is closing ranks—not just to endure the threat, but to deny it any further ground.
