Zelensky: Russia struck ships in Bulgarian waters with naval and aerial drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on October 6 that Russia carried out a combined attack using naval and aerial drones against two civilian vessels in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. One ship sank and the other sustained serious damage.

Navy confirms Russian origin of the attack

In his evening address, Zelensky said the Ukrainian Navy had established contact with Bulgarian counterparts and confirmed the attack was Russian. He instructed the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defense, intelligence services, and all state agencies to cooperate fully with partners so that both sides could better protect themselves.

Zelensky recalled that the previous day a vessel had been struck in Romanian waters, and called on Ukraine's partners for a firm response. He said Russia was deliberately escalating — its drones already regularly cross into Moldova and attacks on shipping near partner states are growing.

Context: western Black Sea under threat

The president emphasized that Ukrainian defense forces conducted no operations in the affected sea area, and described the incident as part of Russia's broader strategy to make the western Black Sea completely unfit for navigation. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed one of the attacked ships had sunk with crew members missing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also expressed concern over the attack.