EU leaders urge stronger sanctions on Russia following drone attacks on commercial ships near Bulgaria.
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Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Ignacy Niemczycki called for stronger EU sanctions against Russia following drone attacks on commercial ships near Bulgaria, expressing Poland’s solidarity with Bulgaria and asserting that these are real actions requiring increased pressure on Russia to encourage constructive peace talks. German Foreign Minister Johannes Vadewulf also condemned the attacks as an assault on international shipping and global food security, offering support to Bulgaria. Romanian Prime Minister Ileana Boložan discussed the deteriorating Black Sea security situation with Bulgarian counterpart Rumeni Radev, strongly condemning the attacks as violations of maritime and international law stemming from Russia’s war in Ukraine, and they agreed to enhance regional security coordination including with Turkey. Over a week, four commercial ships were hit by drones off Bulgaria’s coast, resulting in two sinkings and dozens of missing sailors. While Bulgaria declined to name perpetrators due to lack of definitive evidence, Prime Minister Radev suggested Russia was the most likely culprit and summoned the Russian ambassador. Despite some perceived ambiguity from the Bulgarian government, the country received strong support from the EU and NATO; NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed close cooperation with allies monitoring the Black Sea situation, and European Council President Antonio Costa stated the EU fully supports Bulgaria while noting increasing hybrid actions by Russia, which will be discussed at an upcoming European Council meeting. Furthermore, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen strongly condemned the drone attacks near Bulgarian shores, describing the Black Sea as a new front in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
