Two chemical tankers were set ablaze in Romanian territorial waters in what western authorities suspect are Russian drone attacks breaching NATO territory. The San Marino-flagged Wine Trader and the Comoros-flagged Yara J caught fire while anchored near the Sulina Canal in the Black Sea on Thursday, with eight crew members missing. Romanian defence ministry reported detecting aerial targets near Snake Island and another drone in national airspace southeast of Sulina, prompting scramble of two F-18 fighter jets.
At least half a dozen drone incursions occurred in the past week. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance will adjust its deterrence and defence posture, adding that NATO has strengthened its eastern flank with increasing counter-drone capabilities. The attacks follow similar incidents near Bulgaria the previous day.
Bulgarian PM Rumen Radev stated crews have not verified Russia's involvement but will search for drone debris, noting "We don't believe that Ukraine would attack its own ships and crews.".
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing