Sofia Calls In Moscow's Envoy Following Drone Hits on Black Sea Ships
Bulgaria's prime minister called an emergency security meeting and summoned Russia's ambassador after drone strikes hit two commercial vessels near the Black Sea coast, damaging one and sinking another. The prime minister said there was no conclusive proof of responsibility but that the attacks appeared to benefit Russia, and he arranged urgent talks with NATO's secretary-general. The damaged Malta-flagged ship was evacuated, while reports on the sunken vessel listed five survivors and 11 people missing.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called an urgent Security Council session after drones struck two cargo vessels off his country's Black Sea coast overnight. One ship, the Malta-flagged Chelsea 3, was damaged and its crew evacuated; seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis were aboard. The other vessel sank near Krapets, with reports of five survivors and eleven missing.
Radev summoned Russia's ambassador, Eleonora Mitrofanova, and arranged talks with NATO's Mark Rutte. He said evidence did not conclusively blame either side, though the attacks seemed to favor Russia. A week earlier, a similar strike damaged one ship and sank another; Moscow and Kyiv both denied involvement.
The attacks could deepen unease among seafarers, port workers and coastal residents, especially in Varna and nearby communities, while families await news of missing crew. Shipping firms may reassess Black Sea routes, insurance costs and crew safety, potentially affecting trade. Bulgaria's government may face pressure to clarify responsibility and strengthen maritime defenses, while NATO and EU partners could increase coordination. The episode may also sharpen public debate over Sofia's balancing stance toward Moscow and Kyiv.