Drone strike sinks ship in NATO waters as Zelenskyy warns of looming ‘massive strike’

A commercial cargo ship sank and a second vessel was heavily damaged by a coordinated air-and-sea drone attack within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy blamed Russia for the attack and warned of an impending Russian “massive strike.” Drone expert Cameron Chell suggested the hybrid nature of the strike indicated a dangerous escalation and possible “larger invasion posture” by Russia.

• A commercial cargo ship, the Alfa Watan, sank and a second vessel, the ABLE, caught fire in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone due to suspected Russian drone attacks.
• The attacks involved both aerial and maritime drones, a combination described by an expert as a dangerous escalation and potential indicator of Russia’s larger invasion posture.
• Ukrainian President Zelenskyy blamed Russia for the strikes and warned of an imminent “massive strike” from Moscow, urging international support for Ukraine’s defense.
• The incident occurred approximately 70 nautical miles off the Bulgarian coast, bringing the conflict into NATO member waters and causing disruption to a crucial shipping corridor.
• The second vessel, carrying grain, had 18 seafarers evacuated; two were injured, while the remaining 16 were safely transported ashore.