**Bulgarian Opposition Calls for Expulsion of Ukrainian Ambassador Amid Security Concerns**
In a significant diplomatic development, Bulgarian opposition leader Kostadin Kostadinov has called for the expulsion of Ukrainian Ambassador Olesya Ilashschuk, accusing her of meddling in Bulgaria's domestic affairs. This demand comes in the wake of a recent incident involving a Ukrainian drone that crashed near a strategic gas pipeline in Bulgaria.
Kostadinov, who leads the Revival party, urged the Bulgarian government to declare Ilashschuk persona non grata following the Foreign Ministry's announcement that it would summon her for discussions regarding the drone incident. The drone, reportedly a Maya decoy type used by Ukrainian forces, entered Bulgarian airspace from Romania and detonated near the former Kardam border checkpoint, approximately one kilometer from a compressor station on the Trans-Balkan Pipeline.
The Bulgarian Defense Ministry indicated that while the drone was likely unarmed, the explosion raised concerns about the nature of the incident. Kostadinov criticized the government for downplaying the event, suggesting that the damage caused was inconsistent with that of a reconnaissance drone. He characterized the incident as an "act of aggression" and questioned the possibility of other Ukrainian drones having entered Bulgarian airspace without detection.
In addition to the drone incident, Kostadinov has also called for Ilashschuk to be questioned regarding two former Ukrainian servicemen who were detained earlier this year on espionage charges. The Revival party claims that these individuals had acquired sensitive information, including coordinates and technical details of compressor stations along the Balkan Stream gas pipeline. Kostadinov cited reports from Bulgarian media alleging that Ilashschuk had exerted diplomatic pressure concerning the case.
“She clearly does not contribute to good diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Bulgaria, and there are sufficient grounds for her to be declared persona non grata,” Kostadinov stated, emphasizing the need for accountability in diplomatic conduct.
This diplomatic dispute comes at a time when Bulgaria has been reassessing its relationship with Ukraine. Earlier this year, the new Bulgarian government halted weapons deliveries to Ukraine and has advocated for negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. The recent drone incident has further strained relations, highlighting the complexities of Bulgaria's position amid the broader geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe.
The situation is compounded by a series of incidents involving Ukrainian drones straying into neighboring countries. In June, several Ukrainian naval drones exploded in and around the Romanian port of Constanta after Ukrainian authorities reported losing control of them. These occurrences have raised alarms about the potential for unintended escalations in the region.
Moscow has consistently accused Kiev of attempting to broaden the conflict and provoke incidents that could draw NATO countries into direct confrontation with Russia. Russian officials have also warned that continued military support from Western nations to Ukraine heightens the risk of further escalation.
As Bulgaria navigates its diplomatic stance, the calls for the expulsion of the Ukrainian ambassador reflect the growing tensions and complexities of international relations in the region. The outcome of this situation remains to be seen, as both the Bulgarian government and the opposition grapple with the implications of the ongoing conflict and its impact on national security and diplomatic relations.