Bulgaria is set to join a NATO anti-drone initiative by the end of October, according to Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. This announcement follows a recent drone attack that sank a cargo vessel off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, marking the second such incident in a week. The attacks underscore the escalating risks posed by drone warfare amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, prompting Bulgaria to advocate for enhanced NATO defenses in the region.
Stoyanov indicated that Bulgaria aims to participate in the initiative as soon as possible, with expectations of joining by October 30. The urgency is heightened by two drone strikes on cargo ships on October 13, one of which, the HS Dignity, sank, leaving 11 sailors missing. Bulgaria’s Transport Ministry has since suspended rescue operations due to adverse weather conditions.
While Bulgaria has not directly blamed Russia for the attacks, Prime Minister Rumen Radev remarked that the outcomes appear to benefit the Russian Federation. In response, Russia’s ambassador to Bulgaria stated she had no information regarding the attacks but did not dismiss the possibility of third-party involvement. Meanwhile, Ukraine has been increasingly targeting Russian grain-exporting vessels in the Black Sea, further complicating the maritime situation.
