Zelenskyy: Vessels in Bulgarian waters were attacked by Russia, Ukrainian Navy already in contact with Bulgarians

Khrystyna Bondarieva , Tetyana Oliynyk - 6 October, 21:06

Stock photo: Getty Images

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the Ukrainian Navy has contacted its Bulgarian counterparts regarding an attack on two civilian vessels in Bulgarian waters. Zelenskyy stated that the attack was carried out by Russia.

Source: European Pravda, citing Zelenskyy's evening address

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Two civilian vessels were attacked in Bulgarian waters last night. One sank, while the other sustained significant damage.

We express our sympathy to everyone affected. Ukraine's defence forces conducted no operations in this area of the sea, and this latest tragedy involving civilian vessels is another part of Russia's effort to make the western Black Sea completely unfit for navigation."

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine has verified all the details with the Bulgarian side.

Quote: "Our Navy contacted its counterparts in Bulgaria, and it has been established that this was a combined Russian attack using maritime and aerial drones. I instructed our Armed Forces, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, our intelligence and other services to coordinate with our partners as fully as possible – so that both they and we have greater capacity to defend ourselves."

Zelenskyy pointed out that a vessel had been struck in Romanian waters the day before.

Quote: "Now it's Bulgaria. This is exactly what the Russians are planning – to keep escalating. Their drones are constantly flying into Moldova. And this is not the first attack on vessels in the Black Sea, in the waters of our partners. Attacks on our ports continue constantly. And there must be a clear response to the aggressiveness Russia is showing. Absolutely clear action is needed in response."

Background:

On 6 October, drones attacked two merchant vessels in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev reported that one of the vessels had sunk and the crew members are being considered missing.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed concern over the drone attack on vessels in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.

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