Liberals and Democrats condemn Russian attacks in the Black Sea
Liberals and Democrats strongly condemn yesterday and today's Russian attacks in Bulgaria and Romania’s exclusive economic zones in the Black Sea. The attacks on civilian ships near Varna and south of Sfântu Gheorghe, reportedly carried out by Russian drones, are absolutely unacceptable. They represent a flagrant violation of international law and maritime security, and a direct threat to Europe’s eastern flank. The escalating aggression now features direct strikes and sinking of commercial vessels within or adjacent to the exclusive economic zones of EU and NATO member states (Romania and Bulgaria), endangering human life and freedom of navigation.
This concerns our European security and must be placed on the agenda of the next European Council.
Renew Vice president Dan Barna (Romania), said:
“Russia’s strikes on Black Sea ports and civilian shipping vessels are not merely reckless regional provocations, but a calculated assault on the doorstep of the European Union. By terrorising these maritime corridors and border trade routes, the Kremlin is deliberately weaponising food supplies. Defending navigation and logistics in the Black Sea is no longer just a frontline concern for Romania and its neighbours -it is a prerequisite for global food security. “
Dan BarnaRenew Europe MEP, Romania, Uniunea Salvați România
MEP Nikola Minchev, head of Bulgarian delegation at Renew said:
“Those responsible should be named and held accountable for the attack and for the direct threat it poses to Bulgaria’s national security and NATO’s eastern flank. Russia’s aggression is creating a real and growing security threat in Europe’s economic waters. Hybrid attacks are no longer merely hybrid- they are real, and they are happening so close to our shores.”
Bulgarian MEP Ilhan Kyuchuk added: “We condemn the drone attacks on civilian ships in Bulgarian waters. A fair and thorough investigation is needed.”
These attacks are no longer mere hybrid threats, but direct attacks that require a concrete response from the EU and NATO. The safety of ships in the Black Sea, including those belonging to EU Member States, must be guaranteed. It is also crucial that EU Member States and their shipping representatives increase their support for Ukraine, helping it to export grain. Russia must not be permitted to further damage Ukrainian agriculture and deprive vulnerable import-dependent nations of these vital grain shipments.