The security situation in the Black Sea has deteriorated significantly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova. Recent drone attacks on commercial vessels within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone have heightened concerns about maritime security and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Following a meeting of the Consultative Council on National Security on October 7, Yotova highlighted the severity of these threats. The council discussed the implications of the October 6 drone attacks, which reportedly sank one ship, resulting in crew casualties, and severely damaged another, whose crew was subsequently rescued. Bulgarian authorities have expressed alarm over the increasing use of sea and air drones, which pose significant risks to commercial shipping and infrastructure.
In response to these developments, the council has committed to enhancing maritime surveillance and improving the protection of strategic sites. Bulgaria plans to bolster its capabilities to counter drone threats and maintain readiness for maritime search and rescue operations. Cooperation with NATO and the European Union is also on the agenda, aiming to strengthen air and maritime surveillance and improve coastal security.
Bulgaria intends to consult with neighboring countries Romania and Türkiye to formulate measures for safeguarding merchant shipping routes in the Black Sea. President Yotova emphasized the importance of supporting diplomatic efforts to facilitate safer navigation and foster collaboration among the coastal states in the region.
Furthermore, Yotova called for international investigations into the attacks on commercial vessels and advocated for greater involvement from European and international maritime institutions. These efforts are aimed at ensuring a coordinated response to the evolving security challenges in the Black Sea amidst the backdrop of Russia’s war in Ukraine.