Bulgaria summons Ukraine envoy after drone blast near Trans-Balkan pipeline
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Bulgaria summons Ukrainian Ambassador Olesya Ilashchuk after a drone, allegedly a Ukrainian decoy, exploded 1 km from a compressor station of the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline near the former Kardam border checkpoint with Romania on Sunday. Prime Minister Rumen Radev convened an emergency Security Council meeting, admitting that neither Romanian nor Bulgarian radar systems detected the drone. The incident occurs even as Bulgaria maintains its suspension of military aid to Ukraine.
Drone Explosion
A drone, allegedly a Ukrainian 'Maya' decoy, entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania and exploded 1 km from the compressor station of the Trans-Balkan pipeline, which connects Turkey and Ukraine. The Bulgarian Defense Ministry stated the UAV was widely used by Ukrainian forces but did not view the incident as intentional. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said Kyiv was ready to cooperate with Sofia to clarify the circumstances if the drone indeed belonged to Ukraine.
Bulgarian Response
Prime Minister Rumen Radev convened an emergency Security Council meeting on Sunday, after which he acknowledged the drone had not been detected by either Romanian or Bulgarian radars. Radev said the incident exposed a lack of modern radar capabilities and announced plans to strengthen protection of strategic sites and redeploy forces to counter low-flying targets. The Foreign Ministry will meet Ambassador Ilashchuk on Monday to discuss the incident.
Strained Ties
Radev, often described as a pro-Russian politician, assumed the role of prime minister in May 2026. In June, Bulgaria halted military aid to Ukraine, with Radev citing a preference for diplomatic efforts to end the war. The drone incident comes just two months after that decision, further straining bilateral relations.
What's Next
Bulgarian Foreign Minister will hold talks with Ambassador Ilashchuk on Monday to address the incident. It remains unclear whether the drone's Ukrainian origin will be confirmed and how the event will affect already tense relations between Sofia and Kyiv.
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Bulgaria summons Ukraine envoy after drone blast near Trans-Balkan pipeline
