France Condemns Drone Attacks on Commercial Ships in Black Sea

Paris, October 15 (KUNA) -- France strongly condemned recent drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea off the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania, describing them as “unacceptable.” In a statement on Thursday, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “This latest irresponsible escalation constitutes a blatant violation of international law,” adding that “the intense attacks on civilian shipping and commercial vessels in the Black Sea, which continue to claim victims, are unacceptable.” The statement asserted that such attacks “once again demonstrate” that Russia’s war against Ukraine “poses a threat to the security of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO),” reaffirming France’s resolve to continue providing “steady support” to Ukraine and calling once again for an end to attacks in the Black Sea. France affirmed its “full” solidarity with Romania and Bulgaria, stressing that their security is a priority and must be ensured. Earlier on Thursday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on the X platform that NATO would continue to work closely with its allies in the Black Sea region, adjusting deterrence and defense postures “as needed,” in light of security challenges and the recent attacks on commercial ships in the area. Rutte noted that he had held meetings with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev and Romanian President Nicușor Dan to discuss the security situation in the Black Sea and the latest attacks on commercial navigation. (End) M.B. / M.A.A.