Analysts say Black Sea ship strikes may test NATO resolve

Nine cargo vessels were hit near Romania and Bulgaria in October, one in Romanian territorial waters and eight in Romania's or Bulgaria's exclusive economic zones, with at least 30 mariners killed or missing. After seven strikes, NATO announced maritime patrol aircraft, radars and drones; another ship was struck outside Romanian waters on October 23, and Contship Jet was sunk by naval drones in Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone on October 28. Ambrey said 317 vessels were hit May through October versus 74 prior; Russia struck 38 in October, Ukraine five. Contested: Analysts said they had little doubt the attacks were Russian; Russia denies targeting neighbors and blames Western aid. Sidharth Kaushal called it "undoubtedly an escalation." Iulia Joja said Russia is testing red lines and that Brussels and Washington still do not seem to have decided whether the Black Sea is fully part of the NATO commitment. Romania described systematic strikes without attributing individual attacks; Bulgaria has not blamed Russia. Erdogan and Zelenskyy agreed in Istanbul to work on a Black Sea grain corridor. Marco Rubio said it does not solve the war but solves a unique aspect of it. NATO pledged more than $40 billion in counter-drone capabilities over five years. Russia has rejected a narrow maritime ceasefire.