5 questions about the drone attacks on ships off Bulgaria

1. What happened in the Black Sea?

Drones struck two ships off Bulgaria’s coast on Tuesday, about 20 and 21 miles from shore. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship Dignity sank, with five sailors rescued and a search continuing for the other 11 crew members. All 15 crew members of the Maltese-flagged Chelsea 3 were evacuated, and five received treatment for minor injuries.

2. Who is responsible for the attacks?

Bulgarian authorities say they do not have clear evidence of who carried out the strikes. Prime Minister Rumen Radev told the Russian ambassador that it makes no sense for Ukraine to destroy its own ships and that the results favor Russia. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha blamed Russia, while the Russian ambassador said she had no information from her defense ministry and suggested the attacks could be a provocation by a third party.

3. How have Bulgaria, NATO and the EU responded?

Radev called the attacks “absolutely unacceptable” and said Bulgaria is seeking NATO and EU assistance while investigating with its allies. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance has already strengthened its posture along the eastern flank and will adjust as needed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen strongly condemned the attacks and said those responsible should be held accountable.

4. Is this part of a larger pattern?

Yes. Exactly one week earlier, sea and aerial drones attacked two other commercial vessels in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, sinking a Togo-flagged ship and forcing the evacuation of an 18-member crew from a Pulau-flagged vessel. A day before Tuesday’s strikes, a Turkish-owned cargo ship carrying corn sank off Romania’s coast after a drone attack, killing two people and leaving 11 crew members rescued.

5. What happens next?

Radev said Bulgaria will start talks with Romania and Turkey on joint proposals to guarantee shipping safety in the Black Sea, and he said the country is suffering significant economic and financial damage. European Council President Antonio Costa said the EU’s leaders will discuss the growing number of Russian hybrid activities at a European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.

For more on this report, read “Drones hit ships in Black Sea, sinking one and prompting rescue operations, Bulgaria says” from The Associated Press, published on The Washington Times.