NATO condemned Russia's "dangerous" moves to block Ukrainian grain exports in the Black Sea. Allies noted that Russia’s new warning area in the Black Sea, within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, has created new risks for miscalculation and escalation, as well as serious impediments to freedom of navigation.

“Russia bears full responsibility for its dangerous and escalatory actions in the Black Sea region,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. “Russia must stop weaponising hunger, and threatening the world’s most vulnerable people with food instability. Russia’s actions also pose substantial risks to the stability of the Black Sea region, which is of strategic importance to NATO. Allies are stepping up support to Ukraine and increasing our vigilance. We remain ready to defend every inch of Allied territory from any aggression.”

After the NATO-Ukraine Council it was announced that “NATO and Allies are stepping up surveillance and reconnaissance in the Black Sea region, including with maritime patrol aircraft and drones.”