Russian drones have attacked ships in the Black Sea for the first time within NATO member Romania's territorial waters, setting chemical tankers ablaze near the Sulina canal. At least seven ships have been targeted in NATO exclusive economic zones, prompting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to announce redeployment of counter-drone systems along the eastern flank. Seven sailors remain missing from the Wine Trader tanker while all crew were rescued from the Yara J.
Background
Russia has been targeting commercial shipping in the Black Sea since 2022, particularly Ukrainian grain export routes through the Danube-Sulina corridor. NATO members Bulgaria and Romania border the Black Sea but are not party to the conflict, making this the first confirmed incursion into their territorial waters by Russian drones.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Oct 16, 2026 at 02:48 AM
- Score
- 8.0 / 10