Bulgaria has summoned Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova and requested urgent surveillance assistance from NATO in response to the strikes. The incidents follow a series of drone attacks against shipping within the exclusive economic zones of NATO members in the Black Sea over the previous week, according to security reports.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Drones Sink Commercial Ship and Trigger Russian Envoy Summons in Bulgaria
War8 days ago
Two commercial vessels in the Black Sea were targeted by drone strikes on October 13, leading to the sinking of the AZOV CONCORD 17 nautical miles east of Krapets. A second ship, the CHELSEA 3, was hit by three drones 18 nautical miles off Byala, and Bulgarian Border Police rescued all 15 of its crew members. Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated the attacks occurred just outside Bulgarian territorial waters and noted that neither ship had departed from Ukrainian ports, though at least 12 crew members were reported injured.
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