Two Ships Hit by Drones Near Bulgaria, One Sinks
Bulgaria has reported that two more ships have been struck by drones in the Black Sea, with one of the vessels sinking as a result.
The news was confirmed by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who addressed the incident publicly.
Radev stated that there are suspicions pointing towards Russia as being responsible for the attacks on the ships.
He announced plans to summon the Russian ambassador over the matter, a diplomatic step used to demand explanations from a foreign government.
This move suggests that Bulgaria is treating the incident with considerable seriousness and may be preparing a formal protest.
The Black Sea, bordered by several countries including Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine and Turkey, has become an area of heightened tension in recent years.
Following the attacks, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke by phone with Radev to discuss the situation.
NATO, a military alliance of North American and European countries, includes Bulgaria among its members.
Rutte stated that NATO is collaborating closely with its allies in the Black Sea region, underlining the alliance's commitment to regional security.
The statement appears intended to reassure Bulgaria and other member states bordering the Black Sea of continued NATO support.
Neither Radev's office nor Rutte provided further details on the identity, origin or destination of the targeted ships.
It also remains unclear whether the drones were launched from the air, sea or land, or who specifically operated them.
The incident adds to a series of reported attacks on vessels in the Black Sea, a waterway that has seen increased military activity.
Officials have not yet confirmed whether there were any casualties connected to the sinking of the ship.
The situation is likely to draw further international attention, particularly given the ongoing accusations directed at Moscow.
Further developments, including any formal response from Russia regarding the allegations, are expected in the coming days.
Vocabulary7 words
- drone
- a small flying or sailing machine controlled without a person inside
- suspicion
- a belief that something bad happened, without complete proof yet
- summon
- to officially order someone to come and answer questions
- Black Sea
- a large sea between Europe and Asia, surrounded by several countries
- alliance
- a group of countries that agree to work together and support each other
- allies
- countries that support and work together with each other
- allegations
- claims that someone did something wrong, not yet proven
📚 Ready to use these words in a real conversation?
Practice live with a real tutor on Preply.
Quiz
Answer key
1. It sank 2. He would summon her to explain the situation 3. True
✅ Nice work on the quiz!
Keep the momentum going — book a live English lesson with a Preply tutor.
Discussion questions
- What diplomatic consequences might follow Bulgaria's decision to summon the Russian ambassador?
- Why might attacks on ships in the Black Sea be seen as a wider security concern for NATO?
- What questions remain unanswered in this report, and why might that matter?
- How might this incident affect relations between Bulgaria and Russia going forward?
🎓 Enjoyed this story?
Turn today's reading into real speaking practice with a live Preply tutor.
