Two commercial vessels were targeted by drone strikes in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea earlier this week. The Guinea-Bissau-flagged HS Dignity sank approximately 17 nautical miles east of Krapets after receiving a direct hit, leaving 10 crew members unaccounted for while six were rescued. The second vessel, the Ukrainian-owned Chelsea-3, was struck 18 nautical miles from Byala with all 15 crew members successfully evacuated, though five sustained minor injuries.
This incident represents the second wave of attacks in the region within a week. A prior strike on the Alfa Watan resulted in the vessel sinking with all 10 crew members, including nine Syrian nationals, presumed dead. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev responded by convening an emergency security meeting and summoning Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova. While stopping short of assigning definitive responsibility, Radev stated that “the logic suggests that the outcome benefits the Russian Federation.” Mitrofanova denied having information from Russia’s defence ministry regarding the attacks and suggested the strikes could represent provocation by a third party.
The attacks have heightened concerns within NATO, with Bulgaria’s defence minister warning that escalation in the Black Sea is increasing and the conflict is drawing closer to Bulgarian territorial waters. Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO would continue strengthening its posture along the eastern flank while monitoring the security situation. Bulgaria’s defence minister suggested the drones were likely Russian, noting it would be illogical for Ukraine to target its own vessels.
The incidents have generated significant international reaction. Ukraine directly accused Russia of staging the attacks, with Ukrainian officials emphasizing Russia’s disregard for civilian maritime security and global food supplies. The Russian military has not publicly commented but has intensified Black Sea operations, citing targets delivering weapons and dual-use cargo to Ukrainian ports. Moscow maintains it targets military-related shipments, while Kyiv contends that civilian vessels carrying grain and other commodities are being deliberately struck.
The attacks occurred outside Bulgarian territorial waters, though officials noted that if strikes had occurred slightly westward, they could have triggered Article 5 of the NATO treaty, obligating collective defence among alliance members.
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