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Ukraine Denies Targeting Bulgaria After Drone Explodes Near Gas Pipeline

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Under investigation
  • A drone exploded near a gas pipeline in Bulgaria after crossing from Romania, with no casualties or damage reported.
  • Ukraine has denied deliberately targeting Bulgaria, stating the incident was likely accidental and is under investigation.
  • Bulgaria is increasing surveillance and redeploying anti-drone capabilities following the incursion.

A drone entered Bulgarian airspace on Saturday and exploded near an international gas pipeline shortly after crossing from Romania, prompting an investigation and denials from Ukraine. The incident, which occurred near the Romanian compressor station on the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, resulted in no casualties or damage, according to Bulgarian authorities.

Sofia indicated that the drone appeared to be of a type used by Ukrainian forces and suggested the incursion was likely accidental. A Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed the military was investigating but asserted that Ukraine did not deliberately target Bulgaria. Both nations are members of NATO and the European Union, and officials are in close contact to determine the circumstances.

We will continue to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance. Following this incident, we will also redeploy border police anti-drone detection and countermeasure capabilities from the border with Turkey to the border with Romania.

— Rumen RadevBulgaria's Prime Minister, outlining security measures in response to the drone incident.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated the drone exploded about 200 meters inside Bulgarian territory and was not detected by Romanian or Bulgarian airspace surveillance. He announced plans to strengthen surveillance and redeploy border police anti-drone capabilities from the Turkish to the Romanian border. The drone appeared to carry a significant explosive payload, evidenced by the blast's strength and resulting smoke column, making it difficult to detect due to its size and low altitude.

This event follows a pattern of drones straying into NATO airspace since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Similar incidents have been reported in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Romania, with officials often blaming Russian electronic warfare. The Bulgarian incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with drone activity near critical infrastructure in Eastern Europe.

Ukraine and Bulgaria were in "close contact" to establish the circumstances of the incident.

— Heorhii TykhyiUkrainian foreign ministry spokesperson, emphasizing cooperation with Bulgaria.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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