NATO allies to meet over deadly drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea

Sailors killed in 10 days

23 sailors

Over the past 10 days, drones have hit at least five cargo ships near Romania and Bulgaria, both NATO members, killing at least 23 sailors. Rescuers are searching for seven crew missing after two chemical tankers were struck.

NATO's collective defence clause

Article 5

The alliance's North Atlantic Council will discuss the situation, but invoking Article 5 is "not now" an option, Romania says, and it has not asked for emergency consultations under Article 4.

"NATO will continue to work closely with our allies in the Black Sea, adjusting our deterrence and defence posture as needed."

— NATO's secretary general

Ukraine's grain exports through Black Sea ports

95 %

The attacks threaten Ukraine's main trade route: its Black Sea ports handle about 95 per cent of its grain exports, and shipping traffic has fallen as the risk has grown.

World · 19 d ago

NATO allies to meet over deadly drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea

The alliance's North Atlantic Council will discuss the situation, but invoking Article 5 is "not now" an option, Romania says, and it has not asked for emergency consultations under Article 4.

"NATO will continue to work closely with our allies in the Black Sea, adjusting our deterrence and defence posture as needed."

The attacks threaten Ukraine's main trade route: its Black Sea ports handle about 95 per cent of its grain exports, and shipping traffic has fallen as the risk has grown.

NATO allies to meet over deadly drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea

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