Eleven sailors missing after drone attack sinks cargo ship off Bulgaria

Sofia, Bulgaria. Eleven sailors remained missing at sea on Tuesday after a drone strike sank their vessel off Bulgaria’s coast. The incident could be the area’s second deadly cargo-ship sinking within a week.

Bulgaria summons Russian ambassador

Bulgarian officials reported that drones struck two cargo vessels overnight, with one sinking. The attacks prompted Bulgaria to summon Russia’s ambassador, although the country did not directly accuse Moscow of responsibility.

In a televised address, Prime Minister Rumen Radev described another strike so close to Bulgaria’s territorial waters as entirely unacceptable. He said the attacks’ outcome benefited Russia.

Moscow did not immediately comment on the incidents.

Ukraine and EU condemn attacks

Ukraine and the EU also condemned the strikes. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media that Russia’s war against Ukraine had opened another escalation front in the Black Sea. She called for those responsible to be held accountable.

In a social media statement on Tuesday, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the strike again showed Moscow’s intentional disregard for civilian lives. He described the Black Sea as essential to food security worldwide and accused Russia of attacking it to use hunger as a weapon and hold the world hostage.

Radev seeks stronger surveillance

Radev spoke by telephone on Tuesday with von der Leyen and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, according to a Bulgarian government statement. He sought their support in strengthening Bulgaria’s surveillance of its airspace and maritime areas.

Rutte said Nato would keep adapting its military presence along the alliance’s eastern flank whenever necessary.