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Image: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERSImage: UMIT BEKTAS/REUTERS

Black Sea

Bordered by Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania, the Black Sea is a vital trade route and contains oil and natural gas resources. It has become a geopolitical hot spot amid Russia's war in Ukraine.

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All Content on this topic

Seagulls seen by Crimean Bridge across the Strait of Kerch

Seagulls seen by Crimean Bridge across the Strait of Kerch

Ukraine: Oil spill off Crimea poses huge environmental risk

With oil from a huge spill now reaching the shores of the Kerch Strait, environmental groups are fearing the worst.

An opposition protest at the government compound a day before protests stormed the parliament building in Sukhumi

An opposition protest at the government compound a day before protests stormed the parliament building in Sukhumi

Abkhazia: Leader ready to quit if protesters exit parliament

The leader of Georgia's breakaway region pledged to call snap elections to end a standoff over a Russia investment deal.

Ukraine Coast Guard patrols 'grain corridor' in the Black Sea.

Ukraine Coast Guard patrols 'grain corridor' in the Black Sea.

Russian attack on grain ship 'a threat to world food supply'

Zelenskyy says the vessel was hit as it left Ukrainian waters, off the coast of NATO member Romania.

A Ukrainian soldier wearing a mask sits in front of a river with a rifle next to him and speaks into the camera.

A Ukrainian soldier wearing a mask sits in front of a river with a rifle next to him and speaks into the camera.

Ukraine's special naval forces defend Black Sea water front

DW visits a naval training session of a Ukrainian elite unit playing a pivotal role in the war against Russia.

Georgia's president, Salome Zourabichvili, at the 60th Munich Security Conference.

Georgia's president, Salome Zourabichvili, at the 60th Munich Security Conference.

Georgian President: Black Sea is key to Europe's security

Georgian President Zourabichvili spoke to DW about concerns around the Russian military presence in the Black Sea.

The Russian warship Caesar Kunikov passing through the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul

The Russian warship Caesar Kunikov passing through the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul

How Ukraine has broken Russia's naval supremacy in Black Sea

Though Ukrainian forces faced increasing pressure from Russia on land, they have largely prevailed at sea.

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Ethiopia grapples with grain supply shortages

Grain prices fell after the Black Sea Grain Deal expired in July 2023, but Ethiopia still faces a difficult situation.

A submerged promenade in Sochi on Russia's Black Sea coast

A submerged promenade in Sochi on Russia's Black Sea coast

Winter storm pounds Black Sea region

A storm in the Black Sea region has caused severe damage. A state of emergency has been declared in many places.

DW Sendung | To The Point | TTP Totale Eng

DW Sendung | To The Point | TTP Totale Eng

New US missiles and tanks: is Russia losing Crimea?

Russia under pressure following military strikes by Ukraine and American arms deliveries.

Smoke rises over the port of Sevastopol port after Ukrainian missile strikes on Wednesday

Smoke rises over the port of Sevastopol port after Ukrainian missile strikes on Wednesday

Ukraine war: Why controlling Crimea could be key to victory

Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian-annexed Crimea. Why are both sides so eager to control the peninsula?

Ships, buildings and cranes at Ukraine's Odesa Port

Ships, buildings and cranes at Ukraine's Odesa Port

The Black Sea's role in Russia's war on Ukraine

The Black Sea was once a geopolitical afterthought in Europe. But all that has changed since Russia invaded Ukraine.

A pier stretches out into the Baltic Sea as the sun rises

A pier stretches out into the Baltic Sea as the sun rises

What is the Three Seas Initiative and why is it expanding?

Greece is set to become the 13th member of the Three Seas Initiative at its summit in Bucharest.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon his arrival at Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Russian President Vladimir Putin greets Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upon his arrival at Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi.

No breakthrough on Ukraine grain exports

Turkish President Erdogan met Russian President Putin in Sochi aiming to bring the Black Sea grain deal back to life.

What do Russia's new drone strikes mean for NATO?

Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure came dangerously close to the Romanian border. What does this mean for NATO?

The Joseph Schulte cargo ship

The Joseph Schulte cargo ship

Ukraine: First cargo ship exits Odesa after Russia's threat

The ship set sail despite a new bombardment along the Danube River.

In this black and white screengrab taken from video, a drone maneuvers as it approaches the vessel claimed to be a Russian large landing ship

In this black and white screengrab taken from video, a drone maneuvers as it approaches the vessel claimed to be a Russian large landing ship

The Black Sea: A new zone of conflict

Who controls the Black Sea? DW takes a closer look at how a new theater of war is opening up on the water.

Anatoliy Artemenko, a Ukrainian grain and seed farmer, presents some of his harvest.

Anatoliy Artemenko, a Ukrainian grain and seed farmer, presents some of his harvest.

Lives, livelihoods at risk as Russia attacks Ukrainian ports

Russian attacks on grain warehouses and ports pose a daunting challenge for Ukrainian grain exporters.

Russian Navy patrol ship Vasily Bykov sails in the Bosphorus in 2019

Russian Navy patrol ship Vasily Bykov sails in the Bosphorus in 2019

Black Sea: Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship

According to its defense ministry, a Russian warship fired warning shots at a vessel headed to Ukraine in the Black Sea.

A combine harvester in a wheat field

A combine harvester in a wheat field

Can Ukrainian grain be shipped to the world via Croatia?

Ukraine and Croatia struck an agreement in early August to circumvent Russia's blockade in the Black Sea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attending the plenary session of the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, flanked by two other men

Russian President Vladimir Putin attending the plenary session of the second Russia-Africa summit in Saint Petersburg, flanked by two other men

Russia-Africa summit kicks off in St. Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered free grain to six African nations hit hard by rising food prices.

Russland, Sankt Petersburg | Zweiter Wirtschafts- und humanitärer Gipfel 2023, Russland - Afrika | u.a. Wladimir Putin, Präsident

Russland, Sankt Petersburg | Zweiter Wirtschafts- und humanitärer Gipfel 2023, Russland - Afrika | u.a. Wladimir Putin, Präsident

Putin set to welcome African leaders to Russia

Russia has ties to African countries. Can they hold now that Russia has left the Black Sea grain deal?

Hannah Ekale with children and grandchildren

Hannah Ekale with children and grandchildren

Kenyans suffer as Russia pulls out of Ukraine grain deal

In Kenya, a rise in grain prices due to Russia ending the grain deal that allowed Ukrainian exports, is hitting hard.

A ship anchored at a grain port loads grain

A ship anchored at a grain port loads grain

Grain exports: What is Ukraine's plan B?

Ukraine and the EU are looking at alternative grain export routes after the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal.

An interior view shows the Transfiguration Cathedral damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine July 23, 2023

An interior view shows the Transfiguration Cathedral damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Odesa, Ukraine July 23, 2023

Ukraine updates: Russian missile attack targets Odesa

A missile attack by Moscow in Ukraine killed one and damaged a controversial cathedral in Odesa. DW has the latest.

Grain pouring out of a funnel into the back of a truck parked in a pool of water.

Grain pouring out of a funnel into the back of a truck parked in a pool of water.

Ukraine: New export routes needed for grain

Since the start of the war, Ukraine has been working on new export routes. Transportation by rail and road is difficult.

Themenpaket | Getreidehandel Getreide-Deal Grain deal Ukraine Russland

Themenpaket | Getreidehandel Getreide-Deal Grain deal Ukraine Russland

What Africa really needs isn't Ukrainian grain

Some analysts predict that ending the Black Sea grain deal will negatively impact certain African nations.

The Turkish-flagged ship "Polarnet" carrying grain from Ukraine arrives at Derince Port, Turkey

The Turkish-flagged ship "Polarnet" carrying grain from Ukraine arrives at Derince Port, Turkey

How will the end of the Ukraine grain deal hurt Africa?

Could Russia's refusal to let Ukrainian grain exit safely through the Black Sea exacerbate Africa's hunger crisis?

Niederlande, Den Haag | Internationaler Strafgerichtshof

Niederlande, Den Haag | Internationaler Strafgerichtshof

AfricaLink on Air — 17 July 2023

International Criminal Court marks its 25th anniversary+++Russia halts landmark grain amid growing hunger

Green grain harvester in a field

Green grain harvester in a field

Russia pulls out of Ukraine grain deal: What's next?

The deal with Russia was meant to secure the global export of Ukrainian grain. It's now on the verge of being shut down.

Officials are seen onboard Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship Razoni, carrying Ukrainian grain

Officials are seen onboard Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship Razoni, carrying Ukrainian grain

Russia threatens to quit Black Sea grain deal

Millions of people across the globe depend on the grain and other food products from Ukraine.

The Joint Coordination Centre officials are seen onboard Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship Razoni, carrying Ukrainian grain, during an inspection

The Joint Coordination Centre officials are seen onboard Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship Razoni, carrying Ukrainian grain, during an inspection

Erdogan claims Putin agreed to renew Black Sea grain deal

However, the Kremlin said no public announcement had been made yet.

Ukraine-Krieg - Getreide-Exporte

Ukraine-Krieg - Getreide-Exporte

AfricaLink on Air — 05 July 2023

UN worried as clock ticks on Ukraine grain deal+++South Sudan elections set for 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, centre, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema, second from right, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, third from right, Egypt's Prime Minister Mustafa Madbuly, fourth from left back to the camera, President of the Union of Comoros Azali Assoumani, fifth from left, and Senegal's President Macky Sall, third from left, attend their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, June 16, 2023.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, centre, Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema, second from right, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, third from right, Egypt's Prime Minister Mustafa Madbuly, fourth from left back to the camera, President of the Union of Comoros Azali Assoumani, fifth from left, and Senegal's President Macky Sall, third from left, attend their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, Friday, June 16, 2023.

African delegation in Eastern Europe: More than a photo op?

An unprecedented African peace mission to Ukraine and Russia leaves observers in the region wondering about the timing.

Grain being harvested in a field in the region of Odesa in southern Ukraine.

Grain being harvested in a field in the region of Odesa in southern Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine renew grain deal but doubts persist

A deal between Ukraine and Russia that allows for the continued export of grain has been extended.

Workers load grain at a port in Izmail, Ukraine

Workers load grain at a port in Izmail, Ukraine

Ukraine updates: Grain deal extended for another two months

Ukrainian and Russian officials have agreed to an extension of the grain deal which was about to expire. Follow DW.

Fokus Europa | Rumänien und das Minenproblem

Fokus Europa | Rumänien und das Minenproblem

Romania on alert for naval mines

Due to the war in Ukraine, there are naval mines in the Black Sea. They threaten Romania's coasts.

A harvester collects wheat in the village of Zghurivka, Ukraine, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022.

A harvester collects wheat in the village of Zghurivka, Ukraine, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022.

Ukraine protests 'unacceptable' Warsaw agricultural bans

The EU agreed in principle on an arrangement to get some produce out through neighboring countries.

Three soldiers drive a dingy through choppy, grey swell. The Romanian flag flutters behind them.

Three soldiers drive a dingy through choppy, grey swell. The Romanian flag flutters behind them.

Drifting Black Sea mines put fishermen at risk

Black Sea fisherman fear for their lives, as they navigate around mines planted as weapons of war.

Olaf Scholz in Bucharest

Olaf Scholz in Bucharest

Scholz visits Romania to discuss Black Sea security

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Romania's leaders to discuss defense cooperation on NATO's eastern flank.

A ship being loaded in the Odesa Port, Ukraine

A ship being loaded in the Odesa Port, Ukraine

Black Sea grain deal extended, UN says

Russia and Ukraine were at odds over an extension of the grain export deal that helped contain the global food crisis.

Äthiopien Tigray Konflikt Symbolbild

Äthiopien Tigray Konflikt Symbolbild

Has the Russia-Ukraine grain deal worked?

The grain export deal struck last July between Russia and Ukraine is due to expire on March 18. Has it worked?

US MQ-9 Reaper Drone

US MQ-9 Reaper Drone

Russian, US defense ministers discuss Black Sea drone crash

The phone call between the two military chiefs underscore the gravity of the encounter over the Black Sea.

Fighter jet is seen flying over Poland

Fighter jet is seen flying over Poland

How NATO sees the recent Russian jet incidents

While fallout between the US and Russia over the downing of a US drone continues, NATO is taking a cautious stance.

Green MEP Viola von Cramon

Green MEP Viola von Cramon

MEP Viola von Cramon: 'Black Sea region pays crucial role'

Green MEP Viola von Cramon on the importance of the Black Sea region and the EU's relations with the Western Balkans.

A crew member prepares a grain analysis for a control made by members of the Joint Coordination Center (JCC)

A crew member prepares a grain analysis for a control made by members of the Joint Coordination Center (JCC)

Ukraine, Russia extend Black Sea grain deal for 120 days

A UN-brokered grain export deal for another 120 days, Ukraine's infrastructure minister has said.

Turkish cargo ship Rubymar transporting Ukrainian grain

Turkish cargo ship Rubymar transporting Ukrainian grain

Ukraine: Grain ships depart Black Sea ports

The departures come as Russia weighs whether it will extend the grain export initiative beyond November 19.

A bulk carrier pictured in Odesa earlier in October

A bulk carrier pictured in Odesa earlier in October

Ukraine grain deal: UN says shipments are still going out

Russia has suspended the deal and said it cannot be implemented without Moscow. But the UN said it was still in force.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo)

Euromaxx - Lifestyle Europe

Strange sculptures by Bruno Catallano, modern Icelandic cuisine and Bulgaria's Golden Sands.

Euromaxx Goldstrand, Lukas Stege, Bulgarien

Euromaxx Goldstrand, Lukas Stege, Bulgarien

Vacationing on Bulgaria's Golden Sands

The Black Sea coastal region is one of the most popular holiday destinations in southern Europe.

A ship in the Black Sea near Istanbul

A ship in the Black Sea near Istanbul

Ukraine: No smooth sailing for grain via the Black Sea

While Ukraine struggles to resume its grain exports, the price of bread is rising around the world.