Sofia calls for moratorium on attacks against commercial shipping in Black Sea

A political decision is needed to halt attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Bulgraia's Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said upon her arrival in Luxembourg to attend a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council.

Recent developments show that the war is spreading across the region. This is deeply alarming, and we are determined to establish the truth and act together, she added.

“We need to work towards a moratorium on attacks against commercial vessels. This affects not only us, but also neighbouring countries. The work of the Black Sea security centre, which we are developing jointly with Romania, is also important. More coordinated action is needed. The Black Sea issue is not merely a matter of regional policy; it concerns everyone in the EU,” the minister said, as quoted by BTA.

“We have seen efforts to establish corridors in the Black Sea for the transport of Ukrainian grain. They do not appear to provide the level of security we would like to see. A common, comprehensive solution is needed to stop attacks on commercial shipping. This is important for Ukraine, but also for the countries receiving grain shipments,” Minister Petrova added.

Petrova also commented on reports of possible arrangements to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. “We have seen the first indications that a ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure may be possible. This is what we understood from the US president. Whether it will happen in practice, and whether Russia and Ukraine will take part in the process, remains to be seen,” Petrova said.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov