Bulgaria has summoned Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova for discussions following recent drone attacks on merchant ships within its exclusive economic zone in the Black Sea. Prime Minister Roumen Radev engaged in talks with Mitrofanova on October 13, expressing concerns over the incidents, which pose significant risks to maritime security and commercial shipping in the region.
While Bulgaria has not yet identified the source of the drones conclusively, Radev suggested that the attacks notably did not seem to benefit Ukraine and implied they might favor Russia. In response, Mitrofanova stated she lacked any information from Russia’s Defense Ministry regarding the attacks and proposed that a third party could be responsible.
The attacks have had immediate ramifications, increasing risks for commercial shipping, raising insurance costs, and leading some transport operators to avoid Bulgarian ports. They have also affected the security and cost of oil supplies to the Burgas refinery. In response, Bulgaria intends to collaborate with Romania and Türkiye to formulate joint proposals to enhance maritime traffic protection in the Black Sea.
Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova also condemned the attacks, highlighting them as a serious threat to navigation freedom and supply-chain security. She called for a thorough investigation and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, urging the implementation of recommendations from Bulgaria’s October 7 Consultative Council on National Security meeting.
Bulgaria plans to conduct a detailed investigation into the incidents, working closely with its European Union and NATO allies to establish the facts and ensure regional stability. The Bulgarian government remains committed to addressing the security challenges posed by these attacks and safeguarding its maritime interests.