Bulgaria seeks Ukraine's response on drone crash near Romanian border

Bulgaria is still awaiting a response from Ukraine concerning a drone that penetrated Bulgarian airspace on Saturday and subsequently crashed near the border with Romania. Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoianov stated on Tuesday that Sofia would once again request information from Kyiv.

The drone reportedly exploded about 100 meters inside Bulgarian territory, close to the former Kardam border crossing and a strategic gas pipeline. It landed in a sunflower field, and no casualties were reported. Initial analysis indicates the unmanned aircraft was likely a Maya-type drone, which is used by the Ukrainian armed forces. Bulgarian authorities had provided Kyiv with the drone's identification data and serial number as early as Saturday.

According to Stoianov, the debris pattern suggests the drone entered Bulgaria from the direction of Romania. Bulgarian officials shared images with Romanian authorities, who confirmed the identification of the aircraft. Ukraine has also confirmed the drone's type. "We have not yet received such information," Stoianov said, referring to the requested response from Ukraine. He added that he had spoken again with the head of military intelligence and instructed him to arrange a meeting with the Ukrainian military attaché to reiterate the request for information about the drone.

"Today we will insist again to get an answer whether they (the Ukrainians) used this drone. We sent Ukraine the identification data and serial number of the drone back on Saturday. And we are asking them for information," the official emphasized. The minister explained that even if Ukraine did not intentionally direct drones toward Bulgaria, the aircraft could have come from that direction. The drone's trajectory might have been influenced by GPS signal disruptions, which Stoianov noted are being monitored and originate from both warring parties.

Bulgarian authorities have not yet provided details regarding explosives on board the drone, but the minister expressed hope that this information would become available soon. Stoianov also mentioned that detecting drones flying at low altitudes is challenging. The Bulgarian Ministry of Defense is currently discussing the acquisition of additional systems to counter such threats.

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Today we will insist again to get an answer whether they (the Ukrainians) used this drone. We sent Ukraine the identification data and serial number of the drone back on Saturday. And we are asking them for information.