War knocks on NATO's door: Two ships attacked in Bulgaria
Two commercial ships were attacked yesterday (Tuesday) in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone using naval and aerial drones. The cargo ship "Alpha Vatan" sank and its crew is missing; 18 crew members from "Able" were rescued, two in serious condition. Bulgaria's Prime Minister condemned the blatant violation of international law. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia and warned of a massive attack.
Two commercial ships were attacked yesterday (Tuesday) in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, a NATO member state, using naval and aerial drones. The ship "Alpha Vatan," under the flag of Togo, sank and its crew is missing; the Bulgarian Navy, Air Force, and Border Guard continue search operations. The ship "Able," under the flag of Palau, caught fire and all 18 crew members—11 Turks and seven Indians—were rescued, two in serious condition. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev convened an emergency meeting and condemned the attack, but emphasized that it is not yet known whether Russia or Ukraine is behind it. In contrast, Ukrainian President Zelensky directly accused Russia of a combined attack. An expert assessed that the level of coordination between the aircraft indicates high-level planning. The incident raises concerns about the war expanding to shipping routes in the western Black Sea, although the exclusive economic zone is not sovereign territory and therefore does not automatically trigger NATO's defense clause. Zelensky also warned of Russian preparations for a "massive attack" and called for allied assistance.