Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev summoned the Russian ambassador after drones struck two merchant ships off Bulgaria's coast, sinking one and leaving 11 crew members missing.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has summoned Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova following drone attacks on two merchant vessels in the Black Sea. The strikes, which occurred early Tuesday, resulted in the sinking of one ship and the rescue of the crew of the other. Local officials reported that 11 crew members from the sunken vessel remain missing.
The attacks took place just outside Bulgarian territorial waters. The first vessel, the Maltese-flagged Chelsea-3, which is registered in Ukraine, was struck by three drones approximately 18 nautical miles (33km) from the town of Byala. All 15 crew members, comprising seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, were rescued. Five of them received medical assistance for minor injuries.
The second vessel, identified as the Guinea-Bissau-flagged HS Dignity, sank after being hit about 17 nautical miles (31km) east of the village of Krapets. Five crew members were saved, while 11 are missing. A search and rescue operation is ongoing.
Prime Minister Radev convened an emergency meeting with security chiefs and stated that the attacks were "absolutely unacceptable." While acknowledging that Bulgaria lacks "solid, clear evidence" to formally accuse a specific party, Radev noted that "the logic suggests that the outcome benefits the Russian Federation."
Ambassador Mitrofanova told Radev she had no information from Russia's defense ministry regarding the attacks. She suggested the strikes could have been a provocation by a third party. Russia's military has not publicly commented on the incident.
Bulgaria, a NATO member, has requested technical assistance from NATO and the European Union to investigate the strikes. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that the alliance is monitoring the situation. "NATO will continue to work closely with our allies in the Black Sea," Rutte said. "We have already strengthened our posture along the eastern flank and will continue to monitor the security environment, adjusting our deterrence and defence posture as needed."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha blamed Russia for the attacks, stating they demonstrate "Moscow's deliberate disregard for civilian lives and maritime security in the Black Sea." He added, "The Black Sea is a lifeline for global food security. Russia is attacking it to weaponise hunger and hold the world hostage."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the strikes, writing on X that the Black Sea has become "another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine." She stated, "This is unacceptable. I strongly condemn the drone attacks on merchant ships near Bulgaria’s coast."
This incident follows a similar attack one week prior, where drones struck two commercial ships in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone. One of those ships, the Alfa Watan, sank, and all 10 crew members, including nine Syrians, are presumed dead.
Moscow has stated it is targeting ships delivering weapons and dual-use cargo to Ukrainian ports. However, Kyiv and its European allies argue that merchant vessels carrying grain and other civilian cargo are being attacked. Turkey has called on both Russia and Ukraine to halt attacks in the Black Sea.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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