Europe does not rule out a clash between NATO and Russia in the Black Sea

The Kremlin's provocations may become the reason for the conflict between NATO and Russia in the Black Sea. This statement was made by Bulgarian Defence Minister Todor Tagarev, on air of Bulgarian TV channel Nova.

Speaking about what is happening in the Black Sea, the head of the Bulgarian Defence Ministry Todor Tagarev pointed to the recent incident with the Turkish dry cargo ship Sukru Okan, which was detained by the Russian military allegedly because it could carry weapons for Ukraine.

Russia imposes its regimes and tries to aggressively impose its will," he said.

Tagarev said he recommended Bulgarian vessels to pass through the territorial waters of Romania and Bulgaria to avoid incidents.

Asked whether a clash between NATO and Russia in the Black Sea was possible, he said: "We cannot rule out such an option. We are working to prevent it. Russia is constantly provoking NATO."

Tagarev added that the end of the war depends on the Ukrainian side and noted that the main condition for peace is "the restoration of its territorial integrity".