NATO and EU Pledge Support for Bulgaria After Black Sea Ship Attacks

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has assured Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev that the Alliance will continue monitoring security in the Black Sea and adjust its deterrence and defense measures as needed following attacks on commercial ships near Bulgaria.

“I spoke with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev about the recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. NATO will continue to work closely with its allies in the region. We have already strengthened our presence on the eastern flank and will continue to monitor the security situation, adapting our deterrence and defense measures as needed,” Rutte wrote on X.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also denounced the drone strikes on commercial vessels off Bulgaria’s coast, saying those responsible should face consequences.

“The Black Sea has become yet another front of escalation in Russia's war in Ukraine. This is unacceptable,” von der Leyen wrote on X.

“I strongly condemn the drone attacks on commercial vessels off the Bulgarian coast. They put the lives of crews at serious risk and threaten security in the Black Sea,” she added.

Von der Leyen said the European Union stood in solidarity with Bulgaria and thanked the rescue teams for their rapid response.

European Council President Antonio Costa also expressed the EU’s support for Bulgaria following the overnight attacks on cargo ships near its coast. “The EU stands in full solidarity with Bulgaria following the overnight attacks on cargo ships near its coast. Attacks on civilian and commercial vessels in the Black Sea are escalating. They are completely unacceptable,” Costa wrote on social media.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Russia of showing deliberate disregard for human life and maritime safety after the attacks injured Ukrainian and Azerbaijani citizens.

“We call on our partners to increase pressure on Russia, strengthen sanctions, and take decisive action to hold it accountable and protect freedom of navigation,” Sybiha wrote on X.

He said the Black Sea was essential to global food security and accused Russia of seeking to weaponize hunger and keep the world dependent.

“This must be met with a decisive response,” the Ukrainian foreign minister said.

Two merchant vessels were hit in separate incidents in the Black Sea overnight. The Maltese-flagged cargo ship Chelsea 3 was struck about 18 nautical miles east of Byala, injuring six sailors. All 15 crew members, seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis, were evacuated. Five injured sailors were taken to St. Anna Hospital in Varna, while the sixth was transported to the Military Medical Academy. The ship remained afloat.

In a separate incident about 17 nautical miles east of Krapets, another vessel sank. At least four people had been rescued, according to the information available, while details about the crew remained incomplete.

Bulgarian authorities coordinated rescue operations and began investigating the circumstances of both incidents. The origin of the drones and the circumstances surrounding the attacks had not been conclusively established.

In separate phone conversations on Tuesday with von der Leyen and Rutte, Radev called for coordinated action to stop attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea. Both officials praised Bulgaria’s swift rescue of sailors in distress, expressed solidarity over the attacks near Bulgarian territorial waters and offered allied support in clarifying what had happened.

Radev also raised the need for assistance to strengthen Bulgaria’s capacity to monitor and control its maritime and airspace.

He said he would initiate talks with Romania and Turkiye to develop joint proposals to ensure safe shipping in the Black Sea. He also plans to raise the issue at the European Council meeting scheduled for October 15 and 16.