Bucharest: When Russia attacked Ukraine, the nearest naval vessel of a major NATO ally was in the Mediterranean. The last such ship from a major naval member of the Western military alliance left the Black Sea — an area roughly the size of California bordering Russia, Ukraine and NATO members Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania – over a month ago.
NATO Leaves Black Sea Exposed As Russia Invades Ukraine
Ukraine asks Turkey to shut Black Sea waterways to Russian ships
Turkish-Controlled Bulker Reportedly Hit by Shell in the Black Sea
Carriers urged to avoid the Black Sea as Turkish bulker gets hit off Odessa
In Ukraine invasion, Russia targets control of the Black Sea to further threaten the wes2
