Bulgaria says Russia was likely behind Black Sea drone strikes as rescue operations continue

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgaria attributed the drone attacks that damaged or sunk four ships in the Black Sea over the past week, including two vessels, to Russia. However, there was no definitive proof of Moscow's involvement. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that the logic pointed toward Russia, as Ukraine would not benefit from attacking its own ships and crews, which would actually strengthen Russia's position.

The Guinean-flagged cargo ship Dignity was among the ships that succumbed to the strikes, with all four of its crew members rescued. The other ship, the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea-3, was also hit. Bulgarian officials have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a moratorium on drone attacks in the Black Sea, with President Iliana Yotova urging for coordinated steps with Romania and Turkey to secure international assistance for the investigation and bolster surveillance against future drone attacks.