Bulgaria has taken diplomatic steps following recent drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea, summoning the Russian Ambassador to discuss the security threat. On October 13, Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev met with Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova after the incidents in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, which have heightened concerns about maritime security and the broader regional conflict.
During the meeting, Radev expressed that while there is no conclusive evidence pointing to the origin of the drones, the attacks seem to favor Russia rather than Ukraine. Mitrofanova responded by stating that she had no information from Russia’s Defense Ministry regarding the attacks and suggested the possibility of a third party being involved.
Radev condemned the attacks on merchant ships, labeling them as unacceptable and warning that they could escalate the conflict. He assured that Bulgaria would collaborate with its European Union and NATO allies to thoroughly investigate the incidents and uncover the facts.
The attacks have already had tangible effects, creating increased risks for commercial shipping, raising insurance costs, and prompting some transport operators to avoid cargo shipments to Bulgarian ports. Additionally, the supply of oil to the Burgas refinery has become more costly and less secure.
In response to the situation, Bulgaria is planning to engage in discussions with Romania and Türkiye to develop joint strategies aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic in the Black Sea. Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova has also condemned the drone attacks, describing them as a serious threat to the freedom of navigation and the security of supply chains. She called for a swift investigation, diplomatic efforts to mitigate tensions, and the implementation of recommendations from the country’s Consultative Council on National Security meeting held on October 7.