Following recent drone attacks on merchant vessels in the Black Sea, Bulgaria is taking diplomatic steps to address rising concerns over maritime security. On October 13, Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev engaged in discussions with Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova. The incidents, which occurred in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, have heightened tensions and cast a spotlight on regional conflicts affecting commercial shipping.
Prime Minister Radev noted that there is currently no definitive evidence pinpointing the origin of the drones. However, he suggested that the outcomes of the attacks seem to favor Russia, rather than Ukraine. In response, Ambassador Mitrofanova stated she had no information from Russia’s Defence Ministry regarding the incidents and proposed the possibility of a third party’s involvement.
The attacks have resulted in increased risks for commercial shipping, leading to higher insurance costs and causing some transportation operators to avoid Bulgarian ports. This situation has also impacted oil supplies to the Burgas refinery, making them more expensive and less secure. In light of these developments, President Iliana Yotova condemned the attacks as a significant threat to both freedom of navigation and supply-chain security, calling for an immediate investigation and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
To tackle these challenges, Bulgaria intends to collaborate with Romania and Türkiye in formulating joint strategies to protect maritime traffic in the Black Sea. Radev emphasized that Bulgaria will work closely with its European Union and NATO allies to thoroughly investigate the incidents and establish the facts. These efforts are expected to address the broader security implications and ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
The Bulgarian government is also drawing from the recommendations of the country’s recent Consultative Council on National Security meeting held on October 7. These steps underscore Bulgaria’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and maintaining regional stability amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.