Bulgaria has summoned Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova to discuss recent drone attacks on merchant ships in the Black Sea, raising alarms over regional security and commercial shipping. Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev met with Mitrofanova on October 13, following incidents in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone that have amplified concerns about maritime safety and the potential escalation of conflict.
Prime Minister Radev stated that while there is no definitive evidence pinpointing the origin of the drones, the attacks seem to align with Russian interests rather than Ukrainian. Mitrofanova, on the other hand, claimed she lacked information from Russia’s Defence Ministry and suggested the possibility of a third party being involved.
The drone attacks have significantly impacted Bulgaria’s maritime operations, increasing risks for commercial shipping and causing a spike in insurance costs. Some transport operators have even refused to carry cargo to Bulgarian ports. The attacks have also affected the supply of oil to the Burgas refinery, making it more expensive and less secure.
In response to these challenges, Bulgaria plans to collaborate with Romania and Türkiye to formulate joint strategies aimed at safeguarding maritime traffic in the Black Sea. This initiative underscores the importance of regional cooperation in addressing security threats.
Bulgarian President Iliana Yotova condemned the attacks, describing them as a grave threat to navigation freedom and supply-chain security. She called for a swift investigation and emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Additionally, Yotova urged for the implementation of recommendations from the Consultative Council on National Security meeting held earlier in October.
The Bulgarian government is committed to investigating the incidents with the support of its European Union and NATO allies, aiming to establish the facts and take necessary actions to prevent further escalation of the conflict in the Black Sea region.