Drone Strikes on Black Sea Vessels Raise Russian Escalation Fears

Drone attacks on at least seven cargo vessels in the Black Sea this month, off the coasts of NATO members Romania and Bulgaria, have raised fears of Russian escalation.

The attacks threaten a global shipping route, left two people dead, and at least 25 still missing. Romania resumed a search on Friday for seven sailors missing from the San Marino-flagged chemical tanker Wine Trader, which was struck by a drone early Thursday about a mile outside Romanian territorial waters. Five crew members from the Wine Trader were rescued, with some treated for burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Another vessel, the Comoros-flagged chemical and oil tanker Yara J, was struck inside Romanian waters late Wednesday; its crew was unharmed and the ship was towed to Constanta. Romanian President Nicusor Dan stated on Thursday that “two drones” had hit the vessels but did not specify their origin, warning of a “reaction from the Romanian state.”

A NATO military source said the drones came from Russia. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev suggested Russia benefits from the attacks, stating, “There is no logic in Ukraine attacking its own ships and crews.” Bulgaria formally asked NATO for aircraft, air defense systems, counter-drone equipment, and air patrols to bolster its defenses. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with Radev and Dan on Thursday to discuss Black Sea security.

Romanian acting Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu stated Romania holds Russia fully responsible for the latest wave of strikes. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated the Black Sea could become a “second Strait of Hormuz” for global food security due to Russia's blockade. At least 163 civilian and commercial vessels were hit in the Black Sea during the first eight months of this year.