Key Takeaways
- EU chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned attacks on merchant ships off Bulgaria’s coast.
- Two vessels, including a Ukrainian-owned cargo ship, were struck in the second such attack in a week.
- Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed the attacks and called for Russia’s ambassador to be summoned.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen condemned the latest attacks on merchant ships off Bulgaria’s coast, calling them 'another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine'.
In a statement posted on social media, von der Leyen said, 'We stand with Bulgaria and thank its rescuers for their swift response. Those responsible should be held accountable.'
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed that two vessels had been struck, one of which was a Ukrainian-owned cargo ship, in the second such attack in a week.
Radev stated that there was not yet solid proof of who was behind the attacks, but he would summon Russia’s ambassador as it was clear Moscow stood to gain.
Von der Leyen wrote, 'The Black Sea has become another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine. This is unacceptable.'
She also strongly condemned the drone attacks on merchant ships near Bulgaria’s coast, saying, 'Putting the lives of the crew in grave danger and threatening security in the Black Sea.'
Bulgarian authorities are investigating the attacks, which occurred on Tuesday, and are seeking to identify the perpetrators.
The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of shipping in the Black Sea and the potential for further escalation of the conflict.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine in the region, with both sides blaming each other for the attacks.
We stand with Bulgaria and thank its rescuers for their swift response. Those responsible should be held accountable.
Ursula von der Leyen, EU chief
The Black Sea has become another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine. This is unacceptable.
Ursula von der Leyen, EU chief
