Bulgaria's PM Says Russian Ambassador Assured Him Moscow Had No Information on Black Sea Ship Attacks

Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova told Prime Minister Rumen Radev that Moscow had no information about attacks on ships in the Black Sea, although an investigation would establish whether that account was accurate, Radev said during a hearing in the National Assembly.

“I also summoned the Russian ambassador to the Council of Ministers for talks. I received assurances from the Russian ambassador that they have no information from their Ministry of Defense regarding recorded attacks on ships in the Black Sea,” Radev said.

The prime minister was questioned by lawmakers about information available on attacks against commercial vessels near Bulgarian territorial waters on October 6 and 13, 2026, the measures taken in response, assessments of national security risks, and planned actions. The hearing also covered reports of deliberate arson targeting antennas used to communicate with the Starlink satellite system. Petar Vitanov and a group of members of parliament submitted the request on October 13, 2026.

Radev said four ships had come under attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic and contiguous zones within one week, with two sinking. Only four people were rescued from the sunken vessels, all from the same ship, while the other two vessels remained afloat and all their crew members were saved.

He praised the Air Force, Navy, Border Police, Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Varna, and Maritime Administration for their timely, professional, and responsible efforts to save the sailors.

“We demonstrated that Bulgaria is a civilized nation, that it possesses the capability for rapid and timely action, and that it is able to exercise control over its exclusive economic zone and fulfill its obligations under international conventions to conduct search and rescue operations,” Radev said.

The attacks took place at night, and the October 13 incidents were particularly difficult because of rough seas, poor visibility, a low cloud ceiling, and precipitation. Despite these conditions, the rescue teams performed exceptionally well, he said.

Radev said steps had been taken to investigate the causes of the attacks and establish where the drones originated. During an operation involving an Air Force team, two service members were lowered onto the vessel ABLE and spent more than 30 minutes aboard. The ship’s engine room was flooded, making the inspection particularly dangerous.

The operation did not uncover drone fragments that could conclusively establish the cause of the attack or identify its source. Radev said the authorities had done everything possible to ensure a thorough investigation.

Bulgaria has pursued diplomatic action since the first attacks, the prime minister said. The government requested assistance from NATO allies to reinforce surveillance and monitoring systems and improve the country’s capacity to respond to drone attacks. No additional capabilities had been deployed so far.

Following the initial strikes on October 6, Radev sent letters to the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, as well as the NATO secretary-general, outlining the incidents and requesting support for investigations, monitoring, and responses to similar events.

He also held discussions with the Romanian prime minister and Turkish representatives to develop a joint initiative aimed at protecting freedom of navigation and maritime safety in the Black Sea.

Radev said Bulgaria expected to receive more resources for the investigation, including deep-sea equipment to examine the wreckage of the two sunken ships. Regarding the vessel Chelsea, he said the plan was to tow it to safety by the end of the week, provided weather and sea conditions allowed.

The prime minister also addressed the investigation into the burning of Starlink satellite communication antennas at a classified facility near Sofia. He said the inquiry was progressing intensively in cooperation with partner agencies and urged the head of the State Agency for National Security not to reveal details, despite questions from Democratic Bulgaria co-chair Bozhidar Bozhanov.

“If we were to disclose details now, we wouldn't achieve the desired outcome. Just a little more patience-results will follow-but for the time being, nothing more will be shared,” Radev said.

He added that the investigation was under control and that he expected results soon. Although responsibility for securing such facilities rests with their owners, additional security measures have been introduced nationwide with the involvement of Interior Ministry units.

Interior Minister Ivan Demerdzhiev also said the ministry had strengthened security arrangements, despite the owners being responsible for protecting the sites.

Radev separately sought to reassure the public about Bulgaria’s diesel supplies, rejecting concerns about shortages and potential price increases following the Black Sea attacks.

“There is no cause for panic, nor for any hysteria or pre-election manipulation. There is and will be diesel,” he told lawmakers.

According to Radev, Lukoil’s storage facilities contain 140,000 metric tons of crude oil, while another 420,000 metric tons are due to be unloaded from three tankers in Bulgarian territorial waters. The deliveries have already been agreed upon, including prices and insurance, and their terms are not expected to change.

Bulgaria consumes approximately 190,000 metric tons of diesel each month, while Lukoil Neftohim produces around 250,000 metric tons over the same period, Radev said. The refinery is operating at 85% to 90% of capacity and could increase output. Supplies of raw materials have been secured through the end of November.

Existing stocks of refined diesel at Lukoil are sufficient to cover about a month of consumption, the prime minister said, with further reserves held in state and wartime stockpiles. He categorically rejected claims that authorized exports would leave Bulgaria without diesel, calling them an attempt to provoke panic and a form of pre-election manipulation.

Radev added that Lukoil had approximately 450 million euros available for its operations and crude oil purchases.

Asked how the attacks might affect insurance premiums and shipping costs in the Black Sea, he said the impact on future deliveries would depend on how the situation developed, while current shipments had already been contracted.