France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has condemned drone attacks on merchant vessels near Bulgaria and Romania, warning that the incidents demonstrate the threat Russia's war against Ukraine poses to the security of the entire EU and NATO.
The statement was published by the French Foreign Ministry.
"France condemns in the strongest possible terms the unacceptable drone attacks on merchant vessels that have occurred in recent days in the Black Sea off the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania," the ministry said.
French officials described the strikes as "another irresponsible escalation" and a "flagrant violation of international law".
"The intensification of attacks on civilian shipping and merchant vessels in the Black Sea, which continues to result in casualties, is unacceptable. It once again demonstrates that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine poses a threat to the security of the European Union and NATO as a whole," the statement said.
France reiterated its call for a moratorium on strikes in the Black Sea and expressed full solidarity with Romania and Bulgaria.
"Their security is our priority and must be guaranteed," the ministry stressed.
Earlier, Bulgaria's Ministry of Transport reported that two vessels had been struck by drones near the Bulgarian coast.
All 15 crew members aboard the Chelsea-3 were rescued. The HS Dignity sank, and five of the 16 sailors on board were rescued.
