Ukraine denies targeting Bulgaria
A drone crossed into Bulgarian airspace from Romania and exploded near the village of Kardam, close to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline and the border with Romania. Bulgarian officials said the blast caused no casualties or property damage, and the area was cordoned off for inspection.
Bulgaria’s defence ministry said the drone appeared to be a type commonly used by the Ukrainian military, while Ukrainian officials denied that Kyiv intentionally targeted Bulgaria. Ukraine said it was working with Bulgarian authorities to clarify what happened. Bulgaria’s foreign minister also summoned the Ukrainian ambassador after the incident.
Key Events
- A drone entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania and exploded near Kardam.
- Bulgarian officials reported no casualties or infrastructure damage.
- The blast site was near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline compressor station.
- Bulgaria’s defence ministry said the drone matched a type widely used by the Ukrainian military.
- Ukraine denied intentionally directing any assets toward Bulgaria and said it was coordinating with Bulgarian authorities.
- Bulgaria’s foreign minister summoned the Ukrainian ambassador for a meeting on Monday.
Drone explodes near Bulgarian gas pipeline
A drone entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania and exploded near the former Kardam border checkpoint in northeastern Bulgaria. The blast happened close to the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, about 1 kilometer from Bulgaria’s compressor station and roughly 200 meters from Romania’s station.
Bulgarian officials said there were no casualties or infrastructure damage. The defense ministry later said an initial inspection suggested the wreckage was most likely a Maya decoy drone used by the Ukrainian military, and that there was no reason to believe the incident was intentional.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry said its forces did not deliberately direct any assets toward Bulgaria and that it was working to establish the facts. Authorities cordoned off the area and continued examining the debris.
Key Events
- A drone crossed into Bulgaria from Romania at about 8:10 a.m. on Saturday.
- The drone exploded near the former Kardam border checkpoint in northeastern Bulgaria.
- The blast occurred roughly 1 kilometer from Bulgaria's compressor station on the Trans-Balkan Pipeline.
- Bulgarian authorities reported no casualties and no damage.
- The defense ministry said the wreckage initially appeared to be a Maya decoy drone used by the Ukrainian military.
- Ukraine's foreign ministry said its forces did not intentionally target Bulgaria and were investigating the circumstances.