VDL: Black Sea has become another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine

The Black Sea has become another front of escalation of the Russian war in Ukraine, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X on October 13, soon after it emerged that two merchant ships had been attacked close to Bulgaria’s territorial waters, with the loss of one.

This is unacceptable, Von der Leyen said.

“I strongly condemn the drone attacks on merchant ships near Bulgaria’s coast,” she said.

Putting the lives of the crew in grave danger and threatening security in the Black Sea, Von der Leyen said.

“We stand with Bulgaria and thank its rescuers for their swift response. Those responsible should be held accountable,” she said.

European Council President António Costa said on X that the EU stands in full solidarity with Bulgaria following last night’s attacks on cargo vessels off its coast.

“Attacks on civilian shipping and merchant vessels in the Black Sea are escalating,” Costa said.

They are totally unacceptable, he said.

The European Council will address the situation and the intensification of Russia’s hybrid campaigns at its meeting later this week, Costa said.

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Europe expresses its full solidarity with Bulgaria”.

The drone attacks against commercial ships off the Bulgarian coast create an additional threat to security and stability in the Black Sea – a region of key importance for all of Europe, Metsola said.

“This is an alarming trend of attacks against civilian shipping. These attacks must stop. My thoughts and sympathies are with the missing sailors, their families, and all those affected,” she said.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said on X on October 13 that he had spoken with Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev about the latest attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

“Nato will continue to work closely with our Allies in the Black Sea,” Rutte said.

“We have already strengthened our posture along the eastern flank and will continue to monitor the security environment, adjusting our deterrence and defence posture as needed,” he said.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X on October 13 that Russia’s latest attack on commercial 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.

“We urge our partners to step up pressure on Russia, strengthen sanctions, and take decisive action to hold it accountable and protect freedom of navigation,” Sybiha said.

The Black Sea is a lifeline for global food security. Russia is attacking it to weaponize hunger and hold the world hostage,” he said.

This must be met with strength, Sybiha said.

(Photo: EC Audiovisual Service)