NATO is increasing its military presence in the Black Sea following a rise in Russian attacks on merchant vessels, with five ships reported targeted recently. This escalation has raised concerns about the safety of shipping routes critical to Ukraine's economy, particularly those transporting agricultural goods.
The alliance plans to deploy additional surveillance and reconnaissance assets, including drones and maritime patrol aircraft. The situation has prompted heightened military readiness among NATO member states, particularly Romania and Bulgaria, as they respond to incursions and attacks near their territorial waters.