Bulgaria condemns Black Sea drone attacks as Russia's war in Ukraine spills over into Eastern Europe

Bulgaria has strongly condemned recent drone attacks in the Black Sea, alleging they are part of Russia's broader war in Ukraine spilling into Eastern Europe. Prime Minister Rumen Radev detailed two incidents in a social media post, the second occurring just days earlier. A Ukrainian-owned cargo ship was hit by three drones, followed by an unspecified vessel also targeted.

While no deaths were reported, Radev acknowledged the lack of concrete evidence pointing to a specific perpetrator, although he suggested the outcomes favor Russia. Last week's attack, he noted, also remains unattributed, but Moscow is suspected in both incidents. The escalation of violence in the Black Sea is deemed "unacceptable" by Radev, who plans to summon the Russian ambassador to address the issue.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed Bulgaria's condemnation, describing the attacks as a new front in the Russian war in Ukraine. She pledged support for Bulgaria and called for accountability against those responsible. Notably, at least 45 merchant vessels have been struck by drones in the Black Sea over the past year, underscoring the growing impact of Russia's conflict on Eastern Europe.

Radev has sought official assistance from the EU and NATO to identify the source of the recent attacks.