Suspected Ukrainian drone explosion near Bulgarian pipeline follows intensified Russian strikes

Bulgarian defense officials reported that an unmanned aerial vehicle that exploded near a Trans-Balkan gas pipeline compressor station was likely a Ukrainian decoy drone. The device entered Bulgarian airspace through Romania before detonating. Sofia noted there were no casualties or structural damage, describing the event as an accidental breach. Ukrainian authorities reaffirmed that Kyiv did not intentionally target Bulgaria and confirmed an investigation is underway in cooperation with Bulgarian officials.

Meanwhile, Russian military attacks across eastern Ukraine killed at least three civilians and injured nine others, while power outages affected nearly 99,000 residents in Chernihiv Oblast. These strikes coincide with United Nations findings indicating that civilian casualties in Ukraine reached their highest monthly level in July since April 2022. Front-line communities like Druzhkivka continue to suffer severe depopulation under continuous bombardment.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, NEXTA, Nova TV, Point