Bulgarian PM says drone attack on two ships is 'flagrant' breach of maritime law

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Drone Attack on Ships in Black Sea

   A coordinated air-and-sea drone strike hit two commercial vessels in Bulgaria exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, sinking at least one cargo ship and leaving one crew missing while another crew was rescued. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev denounced the incident as a flagrant and unacceptable breach of maritime and international law. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned the strikes on civilian shipping, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Russia for the attacks.

   Why it matters

   The incident marks the first time such an attack has occurred inside Bulgaria exclusive economic zone, raising security alarms across NATO nations bordering the Black Sea. Bulgarian officials confirmed the coordinated assault will be addressed directly at NATO headquarters. The strikes have intensified regional tensions over the safety of civilian merchant shipping and the growing reach of military strikes into allied maritime territory.

   What is confirmed

   • Two commercial vessels were hit by drones in the Black Sea.
   • Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called the attack a flagrant and serious breach of maritime and international law.
   • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blamed Russia for the attack on Bulgarian vessels.
   • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that attacks on civilian shipping in the Black Sea are unacceptable.
   • The crew of one vessel is missing while another crew was rescued.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The drone strikes were specifically executed by Russian forces.
   • A looming massive strike is planned by Russia.
   • The attacks involved a coordinated air-and-sea operation.

   What to watch next

   • Discussions and official responses from NATO headquarters regarding the Black Sea incident
   • Results of the ongoing investigation into the drone strikes on Bulgarian vessels
   • Updates on the search and rescue operations for the missing crew members
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. bbc.com — Sailors missing after fresh attacks on Black Sea vessels, Bulgaria says
   2. Euronews.com — Search for missing crew after drones sink cargo ship off Bulgaria
   3. Reuters — Attacks on civilian shipping in Black Sea are unacceptable, EU's von der Leyen says
   4. Euronews.com — Bulgarian PM says drone attack on two ships is 'flagrant' breach of maritime law
   5. The Seattle Times — Bulgaria’s leader says drone attack hits 2 commercial vessels, and Ukraine’s president blames Russia
   6. Fox News — Drone strike sinks ship in NATO waters as Zelenskyy warns of looming ‘massive strike’
   7. Ars Technica — Drone strikes, likely Russian, sink ships in NATO countries’ economic zones
   8. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy blames Russia for attack on Bulgarian vessels in Black Sea as investigation launched
   9. www.stripes.com — Black Sea tension over attacks on commercial ships comes to ...
   10. abcnews.com — Bulgarian PM says drone attack on 2 commercial vessels is ...
   11. www.europeaninterest.eu — Bulgarian PM calls drone attack on commercial vessels ...
   12. maritime-executive.com — Bulgaria Says One Crew is Missing and Second Rescued After ...
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