Since the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, 161 naval mines have been neutralized in the exclusive economic zones of six Black Sea countries. Updated figures have been posted on the website of Romania’s Ministry of National Defence.
The munitions were either drifting at sea or washed ashore. According to the Romanian ministry, the Romanian Naval Forces destroyed nine of the mines. Ukraine neutralized the largest number, 133. Turkey disposed of 11, Bulgaria six, and Georgia and Russia one each.
To counter the mine threat to shipping, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey set up the MCM Black Sea task group. In July 2026, the three countries agreed to expand its mandate to include the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.
