The Black Sea region in the security narrative of Russia and the west before and after the start of the special military operation

In the article, the author analyzes Russian and Western political discourse regarding the Black Sea Region, which became the main arena of confrontation between these two sides after the start of the Special Military Operation (SMO) in Ukraine. The article provides a comparative analysis of the Russian approach to security and cooperation in the Black Sea region, and respectively of the Western approach to security and cooperation in this region before and after the start of the SMO. The author concludes that the transformation of narratives in the region is caused by the strengthening the role of Russia and the desire of the West to contain Russian influence in the region.