Suspected Russian drones struck a chemical tanker within Romania's territorial waters and set ablaze another vessel just outside the Danube delta, marking the first time such attacks have entered NATO member state territorial waters.
The attacks occurred between October 14 and 15 near the mouth of the Sulina canal, a critical Ukrainian export route. The Comoros-flagged Yara J was hit inside Romanian waters, with all crew rescued. Romanian authorities continued searching for seven missing sailors after rescuing five from the San Marino-flagged Wine Trader.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced increased counter-drone capabilities along the alliance's eastern flank following talks with Bulgarian and Romanian leaders. A NATO source attributed the strikes to Russia.
These incidents follow earlier October attacks within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, including the sinking of the Malta-flagged Ukrainian-operated freighter Chelsea 3 and the Guinea-Bissau-flagged Dignity. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev suggested the strikes favored Russian interests.
At least seven ships have now been attacked in NATO member EEZs, prompting calls for enhanced allied protection in the region.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing