Russian Ambassador Summoned After Ship Sinking in Black Sea Drone Attack
The targeting of two merchant vessels by drones off the coast of Bulgaria, resulting in the sinking of one and the disappearance of its crew, has heightened security concerns in the NATO member state.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev summoned the Russian ambassador to the foreign ministry following drone strikes on two merchant vessels off the country's Black Sea coast, one of which sank.
Ship Attacks and Casualties
In the Black Sea incident, the Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel HS Dignity sank after being hit, with six crew members rescued and ten missing.
The Ukraine-linked vessel Chelsea-3 was also attacked, but all fifteen crew members were rescued and five sustained minor injuries.
Diplomatic Contacts and Reactions
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev held an emergency meeting and summoned Russia's Ambassador to Sofia, Eleonora Mitrofanova, stating that the attacks benefited Russia.
Ambassador Mitrofanova argued that she had not received information from the Russian Ministry of Defense and suggested the attack could be a provocation by third parties.
International Statements
Bulgaria, a NATO member, discussed the developments with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and reported that the incident zone lies within its exclusive economic zone.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha blamed Russia, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the Black Sea has been turned into a new conflict zone.