NATO to Deploy "Additional Forces" in the Black Sea

Reference News Network, October 23 According to AFP on October 20, NATO stated on the 20th that a series of ship attack incidents occurred in the waters near Romania and Bulgaria, marking the latest spillover from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and NATO will deploy more aircraft, drones, and radar systems to the Black Sea.

Martin O'Donnell, spokesperson for NATO's Allied Command Operations in Europe, said: "Allied nations have already or will be sending maritime patrol aircraft, radar systems, explosive ordnance disposal teams, intelligence personnel, drones, and more to the Black Sea."

He added: "But our most important immediate action is to enhance situational awareness in the region by adding sensor capabilities and strengthening data sharing."

The report noted that both Bulgaria and Romania are NATO and EU member states, and their coastal commercial shipping has been repeatedly attacked, resulting in several crew members missing or dead, prompting condemnation from various parties in Europe.

Earlier, NATO spokesperson Allison Hart announced that NATO would deploy "additional forces."

Hart posted online: "NATO has already strengthened its eastern flank deployments, including counter-drone capabilities. We will continue to stand united to ensure we can respond to all types of threats at any time and protect the safety of our one billion citizens."

Before NATO issued this statement, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that after a Bulgarian vessel was recently attacked by a drone and called for assistance, a U.S. military aircraft began patrolling over the Black Sea.

Radev stated: "A U.S. P-8 Poseidon anti-submarine patrol aircraft... has begun patrolling the Black Sea, conducting reconnaissance operations to identify any potential risk activities."

He also mentioned that after the attacks, some NATO countries quickly responded to Bulgaria's call for help, and Sofia is looking forward to receiving "more assistance."

The report said that NATO, as well as Bulgaria and Romania, have not officially attributed the attacks to Moscow, but all signs point to Russia.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated on the 20th: "The suspected Russian drones have launched six attacks within ten days, which is a dangerous and unacceptable escalation."

Borrell accused the Kremlin of intensifying efforts to strike Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea, attempting to cut off Kyiv's sources of income. He warned that the new round of attacks exacerbates the global food supply crisis already impacted by droughts in multiple regions and conflicts in the Middle East, intensifying this "perfect storm."

Reports indicate that NATO and the EU are responding to what they describe as "hybrid actions" initiated by the Kremlin, including sabotage and interference actions aimed at undermining Western support for Ukraine.

Several high-profile incidents have occurred this summer, including the discovery of a drone loaded with explosives at a German airport. Since then, NATO has been trying to send signals to Russia, urging it to rein in related actions. (Translated by Xu Yanhong)