RUSSIA - UKRAINE WAR WIDENS IN THE BLACK SEA IN A TEST OF NATO RED LINES

What happened: The Russia-Ukraine war widened in the Black Sea, with strikes on cargo ships near NATO members Romania and Bulgaria after NATO said it would deploy maritime patrol aircraft, radars and drones to its eastern flank. Key numbers: 317 merchant and other vessels hit in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov between May and October, versus 74 in the previous half-year. Why it matters: Analysts described the strikes as an escalation testing NATO red lines, while Romania and Bulgaria remain exposed and NATO has not matched its Baltic reinforcement in Romania. Coverage: 5 outlets in 24h

The Russia-Ukraine war widened in the Black Sea, with strikes on cargo ships near NATO members Romania and Bulgaria after NATO said it would deploy maritime patrol aircraft, radars and drones to its eastern flank.

Analysts described the strikes as an escalation testing NATO red lines, while Romania and Bulgaria remain exposed and NATO has not matched its Baltic reinforcement in Romania.