Drone Suspected From Ukraine Explodes in Bulgarian Airspace Near Gas Pipeline

A drone, believed to have been launched from Ukraine, entered Bulgarian airspace on Tuesday and exploded near a critical international gas pipeline. The incident occurred after the drone crossed from Romanian airspace into Bulgaria, traveling about 100 meters inland from the border.

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There are no casualties or building damage. We have the site under control and are continuously monitoring the situation.

Bulgarian defense officials indicated that the drone's model is used by the Ukrainian military and suggested the possibility of an accidental incursion. Both Bulgaria and Romania are members of NATO and the European Union. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that military authorities are investigating the incident and stated it was not an intentional attack on Bulgaria.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev confirmed the drone detonated shortly after 5 a.m. The drone was not detected or identified while flying over Romanian and Bulgarian airspace. Radev assured the public that there were no injuries or damage to buildings, and the situation is under control and being monitored.

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The Ukrainian and Bulgarian sides are in close contact to clarify the circumstances of the incident.

The drone fell approximately 200 meters from a gas compression facility in Romania and about 1 kilometer from a similar facility in Bulgaria, both connected to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov noted that the drone appeared to carry a significant amount of explosives, based on the blast's force and the size of the smoke plume. He added that such drones are difficult to detect due to their small size and low-altitude flight.

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Given the force of the explosion and the size of the black smoke, it appears the drone was loaded with a significant amount of explosives.