Seven sailors are missing after drones struck two chemical tankers off Romania's Black Sea coast, raising security concerns along a critical shipping route. Two ships were set ablaze, with one vessel reporting 12 crew members and the other 12 on board. Romanian President Nicusor Dan confirmed the attacks but declined to attribute them to Russia.
Romanian authorities confirmed two air drones hit the vessels, with one of the ships, the San Marino-flagged Wine Trader, setting fire to its cargo. The other vessel, the Comoros-flagged Yara J, caught fire after being struck 8-10 miles southeast of Sulina. At least 23 sailors have been missing from previous attacks in the region over the past 10 days.
NATO officials confirmed the attacks and said they would adjust their deterrence and defense posture. Romania and Bulgaria have reported multiple drone incursions into their airspace, with Bulgaria recently approving the purchase of additional air defense systems. The Black Sea is a vital route for grain exports, and the attacks have raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
Romania shares a 614-km border with Ukraine along the Danube, and the attacks have forced Kyiv to rely on Danube ports and shipping routes. Bulgaria's prime minister said EU leaders would discuss a proposed moratorium on attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea, highlighting the growing threat to global food supplies.