Current Context: Russia and Ukraine recently agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea during US-brokered talks.

Geography:

• Inland water body in southeastern Europe.
• Borders: Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey.
• Linked to the Mediterranean via Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles.

Features:

• Deeper waters lack oxygen, unsuitable for most marine life.
• Upper layers support marine ecosystems.

Significance:

• Key ports: Odessa, Constanta, Varna, Novorossiysk.
• Crucial for fishing, energy resources (oil, gas), and shipping.