President Iotova: War escalation turns the Black Sea into a military zone

Bulgaria strongly condemns the latest attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, which constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and maritime law, President Iliana Iotova said in a statement following the latest attacks on two merchant vessels in the Black Sea near Bulgarian waters. According to her, the situation requires Bulgaria to work with its allies and partners to ensure a “swift investigation into the incidents and de-escalation of the conflict through diplomacy and negotiations.”

• Two more commercial ships hit near Bulgarian waters in Black Sea

• Opposition calls for more decisive action to protect ships in the Black Sea

Freedom of navigation and the security of supply chains are under serious threat, posing a significant risk to Bulgaria, the head of state said. “The escalation of the war has led to an increase in incidents near the Bulgarian coast, turning the Black Sea into a military zone”, President Iotova said.

• Bulgaria to hold talks with Romania and Türkiye on safe navigation

Iliana Iotova called for the urgent implementation of the recommendations adopted at last week’s Consultative Council on National Security.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov