Russia has intensified strikes on commercial vessels in the Black Sea amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, with multiple drone and unmanned vessel attacks reported in October 2026 targeting ships in the western basin, including Bulgaria’s and Romania’s exclusive economic zones. Incidents include the sinking of the HS Dignity and damage to the Chelsea-3 off Bulgaria around October 12-13, alongside earlier strikes on vessels such as the Royad Mammadov and Alfa Watan, resulting in fatalities, missing crew, and rescues. Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev summoned the Russian ambassador, noting the attacks benefit Russia despite lacking conclusive attribution, while Ukraine has directly blamed Moscow. Russia has claimed strikes on vessels carrying military or dual-use goods to Ukrainian ports. These developments reflect expanding maritime targeting of grain, oil, and logistics shipping, raising risks for further incidents in the near term.