Ukraine denies intentionally targeting Bulgaria after drone crashes near gas pipeline

Ukraine has stated it did not target Bulgaria "deliberately" following the crash of an explosive-laden drone near a strategic gas pipeline in northeastern Bulgaria.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgii Tykhyi confirmed that Kyiv is in "close contact with the Bulgarian side in order to clarify the circumstances" surrounding the incident near the Romanian border. Sofia’s Ministry of Defence previously indicated that the aircraft matched a model "largely used by Ukrainian armed forces," while emphasizing there was no evidence of an intentional attack on Bulgarian territory.

The incident occurred amid a broader escalation in regional hostilities. Recent reciprocal strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces have left at least 14 people dead, as cross-border attacks hit energy infrastructure and populated areas across the conflict zone.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération.