War Reaches NATO's Black Sea Coast as Shipping Refuses Orders to Romania and Bulgaria

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has spread westward toward NATO members Romania and Bulgaria, prompting renewed shipping risk assessments. Ambrey recorded 10 vessel strikes in the Western Black Sea between October 5 and 28, all attributed to Russia, including the sinking of the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned Contship Jet off Bulgaria. Ukraine's seaport export capacity has fallen by up to 95%, and Chicago Board of Trade wheat futures have risen 20% this year to their highest level since 2023.