Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Russia to conduct naval exercises in part of Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone

The Russian Federation has released a public notification designating a temporary warning zone in the Black Sea in connection with the conduct of military exercises. The zone includes parts of Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry said, amid yesterday's NATO statement condemning Russia's dangerous behaviour in the Black Sea.

"Bulgaria and the Allies continue regular enhanced surveillance activities in the NATO area of responsibility," the defence ministry said, explaining that there was no cause for concern as the exercises would take place far from Bulgaria's territorial waters. "Although these actions do not constitute a formal violation of international legal norms, they are not considered good practice," the defence ministry said.

Speaking to journalists, Deputy Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov said that according to international maritime law, the Russians are free to sail in the zone. "The problem is that by conducting exercises there, they have no right to impose an embargo on operations and impede shipping," he explained. 

"This is an attempt by Russia to raise the price of the grain deal, to hinder Ukraine and they will probably seek negotiations to bring the country back into the deal," the deputy minister added.

A day earlier, NATO said Russia's new Black Sea warning zone, within Bulgaria's exclusive economic zone, had created new risks of miscalculation and escalation, as well as serious impediments to freedom of navigation.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Bulgaria faces sanctions from European Commission for failing to speed up renewable energy permits

The European Commission has called on Bulgaria and 25 other EU countries to introduce a fast-track approval procedure for renewable energy projects. The new rules should have been in place by 1 July this year. The EC has launched infringement..

published on 9/26/24 3:38 PM
Mayor Vasil Terziev (centre), Deputy Mayor for Finance Ivan Vassilev (left) and City Councillor Simeon Stavrev at a press conference, Sofia, 26 September 2024.

Sofia is at risk of being left without a public transport system

"Stolichen Avtotransport's accounts have been frozen since yesterday, according to mayor Vasil Terziev. He warned that if the company ceased operations, Sofia would be left without public transport. "Deputy Mayor for Finance Ivan Vasilev, like the..

published on 9/26/24 3:24 PM

MPs reject amendments on gender reassignment for children in first reading

The National Assembly has rejected in first reading the five proposed amendments to the Child Protection Act . The most controversial proposals relate to gender reassignment for children under the age of 18. The bill by "There Is Such a People" (ITN)..

published on 9/26/24 2:35 PM