Bulgaria Says Russia Likely Behind Black Sea Drone Strikes

Bulgaria stated on Wednesday that Russia was likely behind drone attacks that struck four vessels in the Black Sea over the past week, though it noted there was no way of proving Moscow's culpability.

Rescuers continue to search for 11 missing crew members after strikes on Tuesday sank two ships in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone and adjacent waters. Five other crew members were rescued. One of the ships is registered to Guinea-Bissau, while the other, the Chelsea-3, is Ukrainian-owned, registered in Odesa and sails under the flag of Malta.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev told Parliament that there is no logic in Ukraine attacking its own ships and crews, given that the outcome of all these attacks favors Russia. Radev summoned the Russian ambassador to Sofia on Tuesday, who said she did not have information from the Russian defense ministry but did not rule out the possibility that these attacks represent a provocation by a third party.

The Guinea-Bissau-flagged cargo ship Dignity sank Tuesday after being hit by a military strike. Four sailors, three Syrian nationals and one Egyptian, were rescued and arrived in the port of Varna, according to district Gov. Mario Smarkov. A fifth sailor was expected to arrive later on Wednesday. Smarkov stated the search for the 11 missing crew members continues.

Bulgaria has requested international assistance for the investigation into attacks on commercial vessels and NATO support to strengthen surveillance and control systems against drone attacks. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said on Wednesday that Bulgaria expects to join a NATO anti-drone initiative by October 30.