Dimitar Stoyanov

A drone entered Bulgarian airspace on Saturday, exploding near an international gas pipeline close to the Romanian border. Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed there were no casualties or damage, but announced that Bulgaria would redeploy anti-drone detection capabilities from its Turkish border to the Romanian border. The incident will be raised at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council.

Bulgaria’s Parliament approved allowing the U.S. military to use Bezmer Air Base to support Middle East operations, with 136 votes in favor and 13 against. The deployment includes up to eight U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft and 250 personnel until October 1, under a 2006 U.S.-Bulgaria defense agreement requiring parliamentary approval for new uses. Bulgarian officials emphasized the mission would involve only logistical refueling outside Bulgarian airspace, with no involvement in conflict.

Bulgaria's Defence Committee approved a draft decision to allow U.S. tanker aircraft to support military operations against Iran from Bezmer Air Base. The move follows a U.S. diplomatic request under the 2006 Defense Cooperation Agreement, despite threats from Iranian officials. Parliamentary approval is pending, with political figures suggesting the action could strengthen Bulgaria's position in negotiations with allies.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated Bulgaria does not belong in the Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine, rejecting continued financial and military aid. He emphasized diplomatic solutions over military intervention, aligning with Bulgaria's decision to halt weapon donations to Ukraine.

Bulgaria’s new government plans to stop military aid to Ukraine, as stated by Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, reflecting Prime Minister Rumen Radev's stance that the war cannot be won on the battlefield.