The escalation in the Black Sea

On October 13, the HS Dignity sank off the Bulgarian coast after being hit by drones, with eleven crew members missing. This incident is part of a series of attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, raising concerns about maritime security. While Bulgaria has not formally blamed Russia, Romania has directly accused Moscow. The article argues for a reevaluation of the response to these attacks, emphasizing the need for NATO allies to take defensive measures, including aerial surveillance and convoy escorts for merchant vessels. It highlights the importance of protecting navigation rights and the necessity for a coordinated European naval response to counter the threats posed by the so-called Russian phantom fleet.