Russian Foreign Ministry sees in the European Parliament resolution on the Black Sea a plan to supply weapons to Ukraine by sea

Statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry

Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Affairs at the Russian Foreign Ministry in an interview with the newspaper Izvestia stated that the European Union is seeking to supply weapons to Ukraine by sea. In his view, it is precisely this ambition that underlies the European Parliament resolution calling for consideration of a possible naval operation in the Black Sea.

Warning of escalation

Maslennikov believes that attempting to implement such ideas could lead to a new round of escalation and increased tension for the entire Black Sea region. According to him, those promoting such plans will bear responsibility for possible incidents in the Black Sea. These assessments belong to the Russian diplomat and reflect the position of the Foreign Ministry, not a confirmed fact about decisions taken: the resolution in question merely calls for considering the possibility of an operation.

Context: Bulgaria's request and Kallas's position

The statement came against the backdrop of recent events in the region. As previously reported, Bulgaria turned to the European Union with a request to allocate an additional 2 billion euros to counter threats in the Black Sea. The request was made during a visit to the country by a delegation of the European People's Party — the largest group in the European Parliament, which supports the European Commission; its representatives discussed with Bulgarian deputies the EU's upcoming seven-year budget and defense spending. In addition, the EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas previously spoke out in favor of a moratorium on military actions in the Black Sea — a position that contrasts with the discussion of a possible naval operation and shows the range of approaches within European institutions.