Ukrainians injured in Russian attack on vessels near Bulgaria – Ukrainian foreign minister

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that Ukrainian and Azerbaijani citizens were among those injured in a Russian attack on merchant vessels near Bulgaria's territorial waters and called on Ukraine's partners to step up pressure on Moscow.

Source: European Pravda, citing Sybiha on X (Twitter)

Details: Sybiha said the Russian attack demonstrated Russia's disregard for security in the Black Sea.

"Russia's latest attack on merchant vessels near Bulgaria's territorial waters, which injured Ukrainian and Azerbaijani citizens, once again demonstrates Moscow's deliberate disregard for civilian lives and maritime security in the Black Sea," the foreign minister said.

He called on Ukraine's partners to increase pressure on Russia, tighten sanctions and take decisive action to hold it accountable and protect freedom of navigation.

Sybiha stressed that the Black Sea is vital to global food security and said Russia is attacking it in an attempt to weaponise hunger and hold the world hostage.

Background:

• On the night of 12-13 October, drones attacked two vessels off the Bulgarian coast, one of which sank. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said the Russian ambassador would be summoned over the attacks.
• On 6 October, drones attacked two merchant vessels in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea – the Togo-flagged Alfa Watan and the Palau-flagged ABLE.
• Bulgaria has asked the EU and NATO for assistance in investigating the drone attacks in the Black Sea.

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