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Russia Strikes Civilian Vessels in Black Sea Off Bulgaria's Coast
Confirmed
In Short: Separately, two merchant ships, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan and the Palau-flagged Able, were hit by drones of unknown origin about 112 kilometers (70 miles) off Bulgaria's coast on Oct. 6.
According to Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper, one crew member was killed and seven others were injured when a Russian drone struck a merchant vessel flying the Marshall Islands flag.
Separately, two merchant ships, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan and the Palau-flagged Able, were hit by drones of unknown origin about 112 kilometers (70 miles) off Bulgaria's coast on Oct. 6.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that this was the first attack on shipping in the NATO member’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, calling it an unacceptable attack and a blatant violation of international law.
Zelensky said he had proposed concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and ensure security in the Black Sea, but Russia chose terror instead.
Germany's foreign intelligence chief Martin Jaeger warned that Germany is in danger of becoming embroiled in a violent conflict with Russia, which is waging a shadow war.
The incident is believed to be the first reported drone attack on commercial shipping inside Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine’s military did not conduct any operations near where the vessels were struck, and pointed the finger at Moscow’s forces.
"By deliberately targeting civilian shipping and port infrastructure, Russia is grossly violating the norms of international law, thereby posing a threat to global food security," Kiper said.
"Despite the intensification of Russian terror against the civilian population — and the fact that our Western partners' response has not always been sufficiently decisive or backed by concrete actions — Ukrainians are prepared to continue bearing the burden of war until an acceptable peace is achieved," KIIS Executive Director Anton Grushetskyi said.
What this adds
The incident marks the first reported drone attack on commercial shipping inside Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.
The number of such objects detected in the Black Sea has more than doubled over six months amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Background
Two merchant ships were hit by drones in Bulgaria's Black Sea zone, with one sinking and its crew missing.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on Tuesday that drones had attacked two commercial vessels in the Black Sea, about 70 nautical miles off Bulgaria’s coast, near the town of Byala.
What's confirmed
- According to Odesa Oblast Governor Oleh Kiper, one crew member was killed and seven others were injured when a Russian drone struck a merchant vessel flying the Marshall Islands flag.
- Separately, two merchant ships, the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan and the Palau-flagged Able, were hit by drones of unknown origin about 112 kilometers (70 miles) off Bulgaria's coast on Oct. 6.
- Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that this was the first attack on shipping in the NATO member’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea, calling it an unacceptable attack and a blatant violation of international law.
- Zelensky said he had proposed concrete steps to de-escalate the situation and ensure security in the Black Sea, but Russia chose terror instead.
- Germany's foreign intelligence chief Martin Jaeger warned that Germany is in danger of becoming embroiled in a violent conflict with Russia, which is waging a shadow war.
- The incident is believed to be the first reported drone attack on commercial shipping inside Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine’s military did not conduct any operations near where the vessels were struck, and pointed the finger at Moscow’s forces.
- "By deliberately targeting civilian shipping and port infrastructure, Russia is grossly violating the norms of international law, thereby posing a threat to global food security," Kiper said.
- "Despite the intensification of Russian terror against the civilian population — and the fact that our Western partners' response has not always been sufficiently decisive or backed by concrete actions — Ukrainians are prepared to continue bearing the burden of war until an acceptable peace is achieved," KIIS Executive Director Anton Grushetskyi said.
What's still developing
- The fire-damaged vessel was pictured after Romanian authorities launched a rescue mission Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a "horrific" Russian attack on a vessel carrying corn in the Black Sea.
- Russia has not commented, but its defence ministry earlier said it had struck two cargo vessels.
- Help rescue animals from the front line — shop our Companion Collection 🐾 Drones struck several merchant vessels in the Black Sea on Oct.
- Maritime risk company Ambrey said in a report last month that the number of such objects detected in the Black Sea had more than doubled over six months amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.