Ukrainian and Azerbaijani Citizens Wounded in Russian Attack on Ships Near Bulgaria — FM Sybiga

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga confirmed on October 13 that Ukrainian and Azerbaijani citizens were wounded in the Russian attack on merchant ships near Bulgaria's territorial waters. He called on international partners to intensify pressure on Moscow over its attacks on commercial shipping.

FM's Statement

"Russia's latest attack on merchant ships near Bulgaria's territorial waters, which wounded Ukrainian and Azerbaijani citizens, reflects Russia's disregard for Black Sea security," Sybiga wrote on social media. He called on partners to strengthen pressure on Moscow.

Context: Ships Attacked Overnight

The attack was the same incident in which two merchant ships were struck by drones overnight; one, the Maltese-flagged CHELSEA 3, sank after three hits. The involvement of Ukrainian nationals underscores the human cost of Russia's Black Sea aggression beyond the Ukrainian military conflict itself.

Black Sea Security Concerns

Russia has repeatedly attacked commercial shipping in the Black Sea since the start of its full-scale invasion. The proximity of this latest attack to Bulgarian territorial waters — territory of a NATO and EU member state — makes it particularly concerning for regional security.