Bulgaria Suspects Russian Role in Black Sea Drone Attacks
Sofia states Moscow likely behind strikes that sank two ships but acknowledges lack of proof, while seeking NATO assistance.
Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated Wednesday that Russia was likely responsible for drone attacks that have struck four ships in the Black Sea over the past week, sinking two. However, Radev acknowledged that there is currently no way to prove Moscow's culpability.
Rescue operations are ongoing for 11 crew members missing after Tuesday's drone strikes, which occurred in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone and adjacent waters. Five other crew members have been rescued. One of the sunken vessels is registered to Guinea-Bissau, while the other, the Chelsea-3, is Ukrainian-owned and sails under a Maltese flag.
"There is no logic in Ukraine attacking its own ships and crews, given that the outcome of all these attacks favors Russia — and indeed, the logic points in that direction. The problem is that we cannot prove it," Radev told Parliament. He added that the attacks, which have resulted in the sinking of commercial vessels, demonstrate that the war has extended into the Black Sea and is intensifying.
Bulgaria's President Iliana Yotova called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a moratorium on drone attacks against commercial and civilian infrastructure in the Black Sea. Yotova indicated that coordinated steps are being taken with counterparts in Romania and Turkey to address the escalating risks in the region.
On Tuesday, the Russian ambassador to Sofia was summoned. She stated that she lacked information from Russia's defense ministry but did not dismiss the possibility that the attacks could be a provocation by a third party.
The Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship Dignity sank Tuesday following a military strike. Four sailors, identified as three Syrian nationals and one Egyptian, were rescued and arrived in the port of Varna. A fifth sailor was expected later Wednesday. Bulgarian authorities are continuing the search for the 11 missing crew members.
Bulgaria has requested international assistance for the investigation into the attacks on commercial vessels. The country has also sought NATO support to enhance surveillance, control systems, and response capabilities against drone attacks.