European Parliament calls for Black Sea naval operation

The European Parliament has called on the European Union to consider launching a naval operation in the Black Sea following intensified Russian attacks on civilian merchant vessels. A resolution passed by the Parliament, with 432 votes in favor, condemns recent strikes near the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania, as well as repeated violations of Romanian airspace.

Analysts suggest Russia is targeting vessels carrying Ukrainian agricultural products to damage exports and is testing NATO's response. Recent attacks in the exclusive economic zones of Bulgaria and Romania have resulted in multiple sinkings, dozens of deaths, and missing crew members. Experts note that Russia often claims targeted vessels are transporting weapons, though shipping agents dispute this.

The resolution also criticized the Bulgarian government's diplomatic response to Moscow. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev defended his administration, rejecting what he termed “unfounded and manipulative insinuations” regarding Bulgaria's commitment to alliance initiatives and its participation in NATO anti-drone efforts.