NATO will adjust defences 'as needed' after Black Sea strikes: Rutte
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Two commercial vessels were struck by drone strikes off Bulgaria's Black Sea coast near the Romanian maritime border
- All 15 crew members aboard the Chelsea 3 were rescued, with five sustaining minor injuries
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated Tuesday that the military alliance is prepared to adjust its defensive posture along its eastern flank after two ships were struck off at the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.
Writing online following his call with Bulgarian officials, Rutte stated: "NATO will continue to work closely with our allies in the Black Sea. We have already strengthened our posture along the eastern flank and will continue to monitor the security environment, adjusting our deterrence and defence posture as needed."
I spoke with Bulgarian PM @RumenRadevPM about the latest attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea. NATO will continue to work closely with our Allies in the Black Sea. We have already strengthened our posture along the eastern flank and will continue to monitor the security environment, adjusting our deterrence and defence posture as needed
— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) October 13, 2026
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said earlier Tuesday that drone strikes targeted two commercial vessels in the Black Sea, sinking one and triggering emergency rescue efforts.
All 15 crew members aboard the Maltese-flagged Chelsea 3, comprising seven Ukrainian and eight Azerbaijani nationals, were evacuated after three aerial drones struck the vessel's deck and hull, leaving five with minor injuries.
Radev noted that one crew member from the sunken ship was rescued, though details regarding the remaining crew remain unconfirmed.
During an emergency meeting of Bulgaria’s Security Council on Tuesday, Radev called the attacks “absolutely unacceptable” and said Bulgaria was seeking NATO and European Union assistance.
Radev said accused Russia for the attacks, stating “logic, as I have already stated, indicates that the result is in favour of the Russian Federation.
