Mara Karlin, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities, emphasized the critical importance of the Black Sea region and the challenges it faces during her address at the Black Sea and Balkans Security Forum in Bucharest, Romania. Highlighting its geostrategic significance as a vital link between Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, Karlin underscored the region’s role in transit infrastructure and energy resources. She acknowledged that the Black Sea has a rich history as a trade route and a theater of conflicts.
Karlin addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, resulting from Russia’s invasion, stating that it is the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. The United States, in collaboration with its allies and partners, is actively countering Russian aggression and imposing costs on President Vladimir Putin’s regime. The international response to the invasion has been remarkable, with allies standing together and imposing sanctions on Russia.
The U.S. has taken several measures to support Ukraine, including the creation of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group and providing over $55 billion in lethal assistance with the support of around 50 nations. NATO has also strengthened its presence in the region, doubling the number of battlegroups on the Eastern front with Russia and maintaining a significant U.S. military presence in Europe.
Karlin emphasized the importance of unity among allies and partners in deterring Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the broader Black Sea region. This cooperation includes increased information sharing and building common awareness in the maritime domain. The U.S. National Defense Strategy aims to build deterrence and sustain it to address the challenges posed by both China and Russia.
Aligning U.S. and allied defense strategies is a central aspect of implementing the National Defense Strategy. The United States will continue working with NATO allies to enhance military modernization and improve security and prosperity in the Black Sea region through posture enhancements, exercises, and joint efforts. Strengthening defensive capabilities, indications and warnings, readiness, and resilience against gray zone activities and cyber threats are crucial for ensuring the security of the region.
In conclusion, Karlin highlighted the need for a collective approach to address the threats faced by the Black Sea region, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, training, and joint exercises to enhance security and resilience.