The situation in the Black Sea is deeply alarming.

Just yesterday, a Turkish vessel was struck by a Russian drone. Today, three more civilian ships have come under attack, two of them within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone.

Estonia condemns these attacks in the strongest possible terms.

Targeting civilian vessels and their crews violates international law, endangers freedom of navigation, and puts critical trade routes and global food security at risk.

Let there be no confusion about the cause: the current situation in the Black Sea is a direct consequence of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

Our response must be equally clear. We must increase pressure on Russia until it changes course and is held fully accountable for its crimes, while strengthening our support for Ukraine.

The security of the Black Sea is inseparable from Europe’s.