In brief
A Black Sea merchant ship was sunk after drone strikes, prompting Bulgaria’s prime minister Rumen Radev to summon the Russian ambassador for clarifications. The incident follows a series of attacks on commercial vessels near Bulgarian waters, heightening tensions in the region. The government calls for EU and NATO assistance to investigate and prevent further maritime security breaches. While Russia denies involvement, Ukraine blames Moscow, citing the escalation of conflict. The situation underscores the fragile security of vital sea lanes in the Black Sea.
In the early hours of Tuesday, a merchant vessel sank after being struck by drones near Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, a development that has sent shockwaves through maritime communities. Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed the incident and publicly accused Russia of being behind the attack, citing the strategic location and recent pattern of assaults.
At a pressured emergency meeting, Radev summoned Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova to demand explanations and to inform them that Bulgaria would seek assistance from the EU and NATO to investigate the incident and safeguard its territorial waters.
The drone strike comes a week after two other commercial ships were targeted in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, one of which, the Alfa Watan, sank, leaving all ten crew members presumed dead. The repeated pattern of attacks has prompted international bodies to warn about the militarisation of the Black Sea’s vital shipping lanes.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha condemned the attacks, adding that the Black Sea is a lifeline for global food security and that Russia’s actions effectively weaponise hunger. Sofia, meanwhile, maintains its commitment to neutrality but is increasingly forced to confront the realities of regional conflict.
With Russia controlling a large portion of Ukraine and ongoing disputes over maritime security, the incident underscores the urgent need for a coordinated international response to protect civilian vessels and ensure the free flow of commerce across the Black Sea.
