SOFIA — In a televised address on Tuesday, Prime Minister Rumen Radev denounced a drone strike that sank the Ukrainian‑owned cargo ship Chelsea 3 off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. The incident marks the second such attack in a week, underscoring growing concerns about hybrid warfare in the region.
Details of the attack
According to Radev, three drones struck the Chelsea 3 at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time (2230 GMT), roughly 18 nautical miles (33 km) from the Bulgarian shoreline. The vessel, sailing under a Maltese flag, was carrying a mixed crew of seven Ukrainians and eight Azerbaijanis.
All crew members were rescued by nearby vessels and Bulgarian authorities. Five of the rescued sailors received medical assistance, though none suffered serious injuries. One crew member from the sunken ship was also rescued.
Government response
Radev called the attack “absolutely unacceptable” and emphasized that it occurred in the immediate vicinity of Bulgarian territorial waters. He announced plans to summon the Russian ambassador to Sofia for explanations, noting that while there is no clear evidence identifying the perpetrators, “the outcome benefits the Russian Federation.” The prime minister also confirmed an upcoming conversation with NATO Secretary‑General Jens Stoltenberg to discuss the incident and broader security concerns.
Strategic context
Bulgaria does not share a land border with either Ukraine or Russia, but as a NATO member it occupies a strategic position on the Black Sea, a vital corridor for both Ukrainian and Russian ports. The recent drone strikes highlight a pattern of hybrid attacks that Russia has employed as part of its broader campaign in Ukraine.
Defense analysts note that the use of unmanned aerial systems to target commercial shipping represents an escalation that threatens not only regional trade but also the safety of civilian mariners. NATO has repeatedly warned that such actions could destabilize the Black Sea and undermine the alliance’s collective security commitments.
International reaction
While the United States has not issued a formal statement on this specific incident, the Trump administration continues to support NATO’s deterrence posture and has pledged additional resources to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Black Sea. The administration’s focus on strengthening allied defenses aligns with Bulgaria’s call for a coordinated response.
European Union officials have also expressed concern, urging all parties to respect international law and protect civilian vessels from unlawful attacks.
What comes next?
Bulgarian authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the drones and assess any potential violations of international law. The outcome of the upcoming talks with NATO leadership will likely shape the alliance’s next steps in safeguarding Black Sea shipping lanes.
For now, the priority remains the safety of the rescued crew members and the restoration of normal maritime traffic in the area.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
