NATO weighs response to Black Sea drone attacks on ships

The Wall Street Journal reports the alliance is considering options after a string of strikes that have so far drawn only statements of concern

NATO is weighing a formal response to a series of drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea, the Wall Street Journal reports. The attacks have continued since mid-September without triggering any alliance-level action.

The review follows suspected strikes on two tankers in NATO waters, which officials believe were carried out by Russia. That report came as Washington was weighing whether to unfreeze Russian assets to revive talks with Moscow.

The question of how to respond is complicated by moves elsewhere in the alliance. Defense Secretary Hegseth met the UK's Wes Streeting at the Pentagon this week as officials described plans to thin out US troop levels in Europe and shift more forces toward the Pacific, even as allies are being asked to consider a tougher posture in the Black Sea. Ukraine's own position adds pressure: a Ukrainian official said the country had just 10 Patriot interceptor missiles as of October 7, with most already used and resupply irregular since May. Separately, a Ukrainian official said an overnight strike on a Russian refinery was carried out in response to Russian missile and drone attacks that broke an energy truce pushed by Washington.

A move toward any concrete measure, whether convoy protection, new rules of engagement, or an Article 4 consultation, would mark the first tangible shift after months of rhetoric. It would also raise the odds of a broader confrontation with Russia, a risk markets have not had to price so far.