Ukraine has denied responsibility for shooting down a drone following an explosion near the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline, which connects Turkey and Ukraine, close to the Romanian border. The incident has prompted diplomatic engagement between Kyiv and Bucharest. The Bulgarian Ministry of Defence reported that the drone involved was of a type “widely used by the Ukrainian army.” In response, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister summoned the Ukrainian ambassador to discuss the matter.
In statements regarding the incident, Ukraine asserted that it is “in close contact with the Bulgarian side to clarify the circumstances.” This event represents the most recent instance of a drone entering NATO airspace while Ukraine continues its defense against Russian occupation. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, Georgiy Tykhyi, issued a definitive denial, stating, “We can say with certainty that the Armed Forces of Ukraine did not intentionally direct any asset towards Bulgaria.” Kyiv attributed the incident to Russian occupation forces, suggesting external factors were responsible for the drone’s presence. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions concerning airspace security and the movement of military assets near the border between Ukraine and Bulgaria.
Topics: #drone #ukraine #bulgaria
