Drone Attack Sinks Ship in Bulgaria's Black Sea Zone

In October 2026, drones attacked two merchant ships in Bulgaria's Black Sea economic zone. One ship sank, and a search for missing crew members was underway. Bulgarian Prime Minister Radev condemned the attack as "absolutely unacceptable" and a "flagrant" breach of maritime law. Ukraine said the attack was carried out by Russian drones and that the ship sank in Romanian waters. A former defense minister described the attack on the ships as an attack on the state, and questions were raised about Bulgaria's drone defense.