France called for end to strikes on merchant vessels in Black Sea following attacks near Bulgaria and Romania
Following drone attacks on two merchant vessels off the Bulgarian coast, France called for a moratorium on strikes in the Black Sea. Officials in Paris stated that the escalation threatens the security not only of civilian shipping but also of the entire European Union and NATO.
This was reported by Censor.NET, citing a statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The French Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the drone attacks on merchant ships that have occurred in recent days off the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania.
The French Foreign Ministry called these strikes "a new and irresponsible escalation" and a gross violation of international law.
"The escalation of attacks on civilian shipping and merchant vessels in the Black Sea, which continues to result in loss of life, is unacceptable," the ministry emphasized.
Officials in Paris noted that such incidents once again demonstrate the threat that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine poses to the security of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
France reiterated its call for a moratorium on strikes in the Black Sea and expressed solidarity with Romania and Bulgaria.
"Their safety is our priority and must be ensured," the French Foreign Ministry said.
- As a reminder, the day before, the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport reported that two merchant ships had been struck by drones off the country’s coast. All 15 crew members aboard the Chelsea-3 were rescued. The other ship, the HS Dignity, sank. Of the 16 sailors on board, five were rescued. The fate of the remaining 11 crew members is unknown.
