Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has blamed Russia for a drone attack on two commercial ships in Bulgaria’s Black Sea economic zone. Bulgarian authorities, however, say the Bulgaria Black Sea drone attack remains under investigation and have not confirmed who was responsible.
The attack occurred on Tuesday and marked the first known strike on commercial shipping inside Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone during the war.
Two merchant vessels were hit by sea and aerial drones. One of them, the Togo-flagged ALFA WATAN, sank, while the other vessel, ABLE, sustained damage.
The crew of ABLE was rescued, although some members suffered injuries. Bulgarian authorities also launched a search operation following the sinking of ALFA WATAN.
Bulgaria Investigates Black Sea Drone Attack
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the strikes after an emergency government meeting.
“This is an unacceptable attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. It is a blatant violation of international law and maritime law,” Radev said.
However, Bulgaria has not attributed the attack to Russia or any other country. Authorities continue to investigate the origin of the drones.
Zelenskyy blamed Russia for the attack. He said Russian forces used sea and aerial drones against civilian vessels in the Black Sea.
Russia has not publicly commented on the attack near Bulgaria.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also condemned attacks on civilian shipping. She expressed concern over the security situation in the Black Sea and solidarity with EU member states on the eastern flank.
Black Sea Security Concerns Grow
The Bulgaria Black Sea drone attack comes amid a series of incidents involving vessels in the region.
Russia said a Liberian-flagged oil tanker was struck by a Ukrainian naval drone off its Black Sea coast on Tuesday. According to Russia’s transport ministry, the attack caused a major fire near the resort city of Sochi.
All 23 crew members aboard the tanker were rescued.
The incidents have raised further concerns about risks to civilian shipping as the Russia-Ukraine war affects Black Sea maritime routes.
Bulgaria is a NATO and EU member, making the location of Tuesday’s attack particularly significant. However, the ships were struck inside Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, rather than its territorial waters.
For now, Bulgarian authorities have stopped short of assigning responsibility. The investigation into the origin of the drones and the circumstances surrounding the attack remains ongoing.
