EU chief condemns drone attacks on Black Sea shipping near Bulgaria

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday condemned drone attacks targeting commercial ships near the coast of Bulgaria and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

Von der Leyen wrote on her X account, "The Black Sea has become another front in Russia’s war of escalation against Ukraine. This is unacceptable. Those responsible must be held to account."

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Earlier today, Bulgaria’s prime minister said two ships were struck by drones off the country’s Black Sea coast, causing one to sink. It was the second such incident in a week.

He noted that the attack caused severe structural damage to the Togo-flagged vessel "Alpha Vatan," which sank at the scene.

The second ship, sailing under the flag of Palau, caught fire after the attack, but a Bulgarian ferry was able to evacuate all 18 crew members.