France calls for moratorium on attacks against merchant vessels in the Black Sea

France has called for a moratorium on attacks against merchant vessels in the Black Sea following new Russian drone strikes near the coasts of Bulgaria and Romania. The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the attacks on civilian shipping, describing them as an unacceptable escalation and a violation of international law. Paris emphasized that such actions threaten the safety of maritime transportation in the region.

The French Foreign Ministry stated that the intensification of attacks on civilian vessels, resulting in loss of life, is unacceptable. According to the ministry, strikes near the territorial waters of EU and NATO member states demonstrate that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine poses a threat to the security of the European Union and NATO as a whole.

The statement followed new attacks on merchant vessels off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. On the night of October 13, Chelsea 3, a Maltese-flagged vessel owned by a Ukrainian company, was struck by three drones. Another vessel, HS Dignity, sank as a result of an attack. According to available information, five of the 16 crew members were rescued.

France reaffirmed its support for Romania and Bulgaria, stressing the need to ensure maritime safety and protect civilian maritime infrastructure. Paris reiterated its call for an end to strikes in the Black Sea, emphasizing that the security of countries in the region must remain an international priority.

Continued attacks on merchant shipping pose additional risks to grain and oilseed exports from the Black Sea region. Threats to vessels could lead to higher insurance costs, rising freight rates and disruptions to seaport operations. Under these circumstances, a moratorium on attacks against civilian shipping could help stabilize maritime logistics and reduce risks to international agricultural trade.

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Tags: shipping, France, Black Sea region, Black Sea