NATO Expands Black Sea Surveillance as Ship Strikes Continue

NATO is expanding surveillance support in the Black Sea as attacks on commercial vessels near Romania and Bulgaria continue, including the October 28 sinking of the Greek-owned Contship Jet in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone. The ship was struck by three drones, and all 18 crew members were rescued, Bulgarian authorities said. The alliance announced additional maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems and drones after ambassadors discussed Black Sea security on October 20. NATO has not disclosed how many assets will be used, where they will operate or when they will be deployed. The announcement did not include an escort mission for commercial ships. Bulgarian authorities said expert examinations to identify those responsible for attacks are underway, with no completion date announced. The available assessment by maritime security firm Ambrey Analytics concerns earlier strikes on October 5 and 6: it judged Russian forces highly likely responsible and said the vessels were likely targeted because of links to Ukrainian grain exports. That assessment does not establish responsibility for the later attacks. Russia denies targeting Ukraine’s neighbours with drones. Romania has...