Following a series of drone attacks on commercial ships off the coast of Romania and Bulgaria in the Black Sea earlier this week, NATO and European Russophobes have jumped into full gear to blame the strikes on Russia. Bulgaria’s Prime Minister immediately summoned Russia’s ambassador, despite providing no evidence for their case.

NATO Secretary General Rutte met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev on the sidelines of the EU Council meeting in Brussels on Oct. 15. Rutte posted on X: “Good meeting with Bulgarian PM @RumenRadevPM and Romanian President @NicusorDanRO about security in the Black Sea & the latest attacks on commercial shipping. NATO has strengthened our posture along the eastern flank including with increasing counter-drone capabilities.”

Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that “the Black Sea has become yet another front in the escalation of the war.” The head of the European Council, António Costa, also accused Russia, saying that the increased “hybrid activity of Russia” would be included on the agenda of the EU Council meeting.

According to a Reuters report on Oct 16, Bulgaria has formally asked NATO to deploy combat aircraft and anti-drone systems to bolster its defenses. “We have sent letters and a request to the NATO Secretary General and the Supreme Allied Commander, urging them to strengthen our capabilities, which also means deploying additional forces on our territory. We are awaiting their decision,” Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said on Friday.