Drones sink ships near NATO countries in “unacceptable” attacks, EU says

In a significant escalation of maritime conflict, multiple sea and aerial drones attacked three cargo ships within the exclusive economic zones of NATO member countries. The Togo-flagged vessel Alfa Watan sank, while the Palau-flagged ship Able was severely damaged and set ablaze approximately 80 miles off the Bulgarian coast. The attacks resulted in at least two fatalities and multiple injuries among the crews. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev condemned the incident as an unacceptable violation of international and maritime law. These strikes mark the first time such aggressive actions have occurred within NATO-protected economic zones during the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. While the investigation continues, the event has heightened concerns regarding the safety of commercial shipping in the Black Sea and the broader implications of hybrid warfare tactics being deployed in European waters.