Romania slams ‘unacceptable’ drone strikes on Black Sea ships
Three commercial vessels were hit near Romania’s coast, prompting fighter jet deployments and fresh calls for NATO support to strengthen Black Sea security.
Romanian Prime Minister Luca Niculescu denounced drone strikes on three commercial vessels near the Black Sea coast of his nation, stating they are "unacceptable" and a breach of international law. In a message on X, Niculescu linked the deteriorating security situation to Russia's conflict with Ukraine. The incidents occurred near Sulina, a Romanian port where the Danube River flows into the Black Sea, on Saturday evening and overnight.
The Greek-flagged tanker Evia Petrol V was hit shortly after 9 p.m., followed 35 minutes later by the Marsol. Romania's defense ministry confirmed fires were put out by ship crews with no reported casualties. The third vessel, Ali Najafov, also experienced a drone strike overnight, though it remains unclear who carried out the attacks.
Romanian military radar detected the drones, prompting F-16 fighter jets to intercept the targets. Authorities issued coast alerts regarding potential drone threats. The attacks followed the drone strike on Larissa 1 near Romania's coast on Friday. Defense Minister Ștefan-Radu Oprea pledged to discuss the incidents with NATO allies in Brussels, demanding enhanced surveillance and equipment to counter drone threats.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced EU support for Black Sea security expenses after recent attacks on commercial shipping. In October, seven vessels were targeted by drones near Romania, Bulgaria, and NATO/EU members, resulting in over 20 deaths and dozens of missing sailors.
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