Romania is bringing Russia's attacks on ships in the Black Sea to NATO's attention

Romania has accused Russia of attacking civilian ships in the Black Sea and is calling for a NATO meeting. Over the past 24 hours, four merchant ships were attacked and eight people were killed.

This was reported by Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Cioiu.

Air, naval, and rescue services are searching for missing crew members of a vessel that Russian forces attacked in Romania’s exclusive economic zone.

Five rescued sailors were transported by helicopter to a hospital in Constanța. According to Țoiu, their condition is stable. Some of the victims are receiving treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

According to Romanian authorities, four civilian vessels have been attacked over the past 24 hours. Some of the attacks took place in Romania’s territorial waters, while others occurred in its exclusive economic zone. A total of eight people have died.

Tsoiu stated that Russia is turning the Black Sea into a dangerous zone for civilian shipping. According to her, Moscow bears full responsibility for these crimes and the deaths of the sailors.

The foreign minister also noted that there has recently been an increase in the number of Russian drones, particularly “Shaheds,” violating Romania’s airspace. As a result, the military has already scrambled fighter jets to patrol the area.

According to Tsoi, Romania has informed its allies and European partners about the incidents. The countries agreed to hold a NATO meeting in the coming days. As the minister noted, following the October 15 meeting, Rutte, Nicușor Dan, and Rumen Radev agreed to convene the North Atlantic Council in the coming days.

Romania continues to insist on a ceasefire in the Black Sea. In its view, this is necessary to eliminate risks to civilian vessels and restore the safety of navigation. Tsoi reminded that this is an important global food trade route.

Ірина Глухова