Russians attempt to disrupt grain exports from Romanian and Bulgarian ports

On October 6, Russia deliberately attacked civilian vessels within Bulgaria’s economic zone, causing one to sink. This move aims to drive up shipping costs for vessels operating out of Western Black Sea ports used to export Ukrainian grain.

The Russian drone attack occurred 70–80 miles off the Bulgarian coast, near Byala. The strikes were targeted, and none of the affected vessels were linked to Ukrainian ports:

The *ALFA WATAN* (Togo-flagged) sank after being hit. The dry cargo ship was en route from the Egyptian port of Al-Arish to Sulina, Romania.

The *ABLE* (Palau-flagged) caught fire following a drone strike. The vessel had loaded cargo in Galați, Romania, and was heading to Turkey. Bulgarian rescue teams evacuated 18 crew members; there were injuries among the sailors.

On October 5, Russians also struck a vessel in Romania’s economic zone. Following this new attack, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev urgently convened security officials.