Draft law on security in the Black Sea region introduced in the Senate

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators from the Republican and Democratic parties introduced a draft law on security in the Black Sea region in 2023.

This was announced by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Oksana Markarova.

The bill submitted to the Senate emphasizes the importance of the Black Sea region for US national security, and European and global security, especially as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine.

The bill was first introduced on July 12, 2022. Its provisions are preserved in this year's draft.

The document envisages a more active and decisive US foreign policy towards the Black Sea region, including enhanced coordination between the US, NATO, and the EU, as well as strengthening economic ties between the US and the Black Sea states (in particular, it mentions support for the Three Seas Initiative).

The draft law requires that 180 days after its adoption, an interagency strategy be presented to increase US military assistance and coordination with NATO and the EU, deepen economic ties, strengthen democracy and economic security, and enhance security assistance with countries in the region.

It will include, among other things, increased security assistance to Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Georgia; prioritization of intelligence systems for Russian operations in the region; the possibility of creating a joint multinational headquarters responsible for planning exercises and coordinating all military activities of US allies and partners in the Black Sea; intensification of the fight against Russian disinformation and propaganda, etc.

Author - Olena Madiak, 31/03/2023