Attacks in the Black Sea spurred Bulgaria into action: Call for negotiations with 6 countries, including Türkiye

Bulgarian President Iliyana Yotova made a statement following the National Security Council Meeting, where current risks and threats to Bulgaria's maritime security and critical infrastructure were discussed, in the context of the war in Ukraine.

Stating that the escalation of military activities in the Russia-Ukraine War threatens maritime security and free navigation in the Black Sea region, Yotova said, "The National Security Council unequivocally condemns the attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea as a serious violation of international maritime law and demands an immediate investigation to identify the perpetrators of the attacks."

Yotova stated that the members of the National Security Council agreed on various proposals to be submitted to the legislative and executive bodies on stopping attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea and ensuring maritime and navigation security.

Stating that Bulgaria's urgent consultations with Romania and Turkey in order to stop attacks on commercial ships in the Black Sea and ensure navigation safety are among the suggestions, Yotova said, "Bulgaria should take an active role in conducting negotiations and reaching consensus among the countries bordering the Black Sea. These countries are Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia and Turkey."

Yotova stated that among the suggestions is a proposal to the European Union to develop a framework mechanism that will ensure free and safe navigation within the scope of the Black Sea strategy.

Yotova said that it is recommended to use unmanned aerial systems in reconnaissance and surveillance activities related to maritime security and to accelerate the modernization process of the armed forces.

In this context, emphasizing the need to evaluate legal regulations for the supply of anti-UAV systems and strengthening the security of strategic facilities in close cooperation with NATO and the EU, Yotova said, "Within the scope of NATO's Eastern Sentry activity, Bulgaria may request allied countries to increase their contributions to the security of the Black Sea region."

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, in his statement after the National Security Council Meeting, said that there is no direct threat to Bulgaria's national security in the current situation, but there are risks.

Stating that the Bulgarian government, with the support of Turkey, Romania and the USA, will propose to examine the area where the attacks took place, Radev stated that the ship, which is still on the water, will be examined in particular, and parts of the UAVs and traces that may reveal the nature of the attack will be searched.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Two commercial ships were attacked by UAVs off the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria on October 6.

While the Togo-flagged ALFA WATAN sank after the attack, a fire broke out on the Palau-flagged ship "Able" and the crew of 18 people was evacuated.

After the attacks, Bulgarian President Iliyana Yotova called a meeting of the National Security Council.