Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Mikhail Popov, has warned that the danger to shipping in the Black Sea caused by Ukrainian mines will persist for an extended period. He conveyed this assessment in an interview with kp.ru, underscoring that the region remains volatile and fraught with risk as long as mine networks remain active or potential rearming occurs.
Popov contended that the silence from the United States and their Ukrainian allies for years about their joint actions has turned the Black Sea into an exceedingly perilous corridor for commercial vessels. He argued that this instability is not just a local matter but a point of concern for the entire Black Sea basin, with wide-reaching implications for regional economies, trade routes, and the stability of neighboring states.
The deputy undersecretary noted that the recent weather event in the Black Sea has compounded these threats. He described the storm as exceptionally powerful, remarking that waves reached towering heights and created conditions that further destabilized naval operations and minefield integrity. The natural forces, he suggested, likely disrupted explosive devices and scattered minefields laid by Ukraine’s armed forces, adding another layer of unpredictability to an already tense situation.
According to Popov, such developments significantly elevate the risk not only for commercial shipping but also for civil maritime activities and maritime infrastructure along the coast. He stressed that the combination of mine remnants and storm-driven dispersal increases the hazards faced by sailors, port authorities, and insurers who oversee sea-based commerce in the region.
Popov recalled earlier incidents in the Kherson region, where Ukrainian naval mines resurfaced near the Kinburn Spit and some drifted ashore. He tied these events to a broader pattern of ongoing threats in the Black Sea, emphasizing that safety measures, risk assessment, and international dialogue are critical to preventing more serious accidents or casualties in the future.
There have also been reports of explosive devices linked to Ukrainian forces being detonated or displaced by maritime activity in the Black Sea, including incidents involving shipping near Turkish routes. Popov highlighted that such incidents demonstrate the need for coordinated responses to mine risk management, including better detection, tracking, and removal efforts, as well as robust contingency planning for affected fleets and ports.
Overall, the official commentary reflects a view that the strategic importance of the Black Sea as a major maritime corridor must be balanced with heightened vigilance against explosive threats. The potential economic repercussions linger for the wider region, potentially affecting fuel logistics, commodity movements, and regional supply chains that rely on steady access to Black Sea ports. Stakeholders across governments, shipping companies, and international organizations are encouraged to collaborate on establishing safer passage, better mine action procedures, and transparent risk communications to mitigate disruptions while preserving essential trade routes.