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Bulgarian Defense Minister awaits investigation into Black Sea drone strikes
Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov has responded to European Union assessments claiming that drones used in attacks on commercial vessels near the Bulgarian coast are Russian. Stoyanov stated that he is awaiting the results of a domestic investigation involving the ship Chelsea-3 and the Military Prosecutor's Office.
Stoyanov criticized opposition leaders for prematurely labeling the drones as Russian before technical evidence was available. He noted that even in similar cases in Germany, it took several weeks to confirm the origin of a drone. The Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Defense relies on expertise rather than political speculation.
If the investigation confirms the drones are Russian, Stoyanov indicated that Bulgaria would issue a diplomatic note to Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova. Bulgaria is also seeking investigative support from NATO and the European Union regarding the strikes, which impacted four commercial ships, two of which sank.
Entities
Bulgarian Ministry of Defense · Chelsea-3 · Dimitar Stoyanov · Eleonora Mitrofanova · European Council · European Union · Military Prosecutor's Office · Ministry of Defence · NATO
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bulgaria is seeking assistance from the EU and NATO regarding the investigation of the drone strikes on commercial ships.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Bulgarian authorities are conducting an investigation using the ship Chelsea-3. www.blagoevgrad24.bg · trafficnews.bg
- [● 2 SOURCES] If the drones are proven to be Russian, Bulgaria will issue a diplomatic note to Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova. www.blagoevgrad24.bg
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Military Prosecutor's Office has opened a pre-trial investigation into the drone strikes. www.blagoevgrad24.bg · trafficnews.bg