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Russian drones sink container ship near Shabla

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A container ship has sunk near Shabla after being struck by drones, which military officials confirmed originated from the east. A Russian combat drone was also discovered on a beach near Arapya, and it was revealed that France had previously warned the Bulgarian Navy about the attack on the vessel.

In domestic political news, the ongoing presidential election has faced questions of integrity after votes reportedly disappeared from 14 voting machines across four regions during the first round. Separately, the Central Election Commission ruled that Prime Minister Rumen Radev's statements did not constitute campaigning, a decision Democratic Bulgaria plans to appeal. President Iliana Iotova and Prime Minister Rumen Radev also drew criticism from opposition parties GERB, PP, and DB for their perceived "flimsiness" towards Russian President Putin.

Economically, the government has pledged to keep electricity and heating prices stable until July 1, though gas users may see adjustments. This comes as a European Commission report indicates that salaries are growing faster than the national economy. In legal developments, businessman Minyo Staykov was released after 2.5 years in custody and subsequently halted his lawsuit against the prosecution, while the prosecution and prison service are appealing the release of a convict in the death of Milen Tsvetkov.

Top stories

Drone Attacks and Black Sea Security Escalation

A container ship has sunk near Shabla and Kaliakra after being struck by drones, which military officials confirmed originated from the east. A Russian combat drone, identified as 'Geran', was also discovered on a beach near Arapya, and it was revealed that France had previously warned the Bulgarian Navy about a drone attack targeting the vessel CONTSHIP JET. Captain Todor Georgiev identified the drones that struck the container ship near Kaliakra as Russian.

Presidential Election Faces Integrity Concerns and Political Criticism

Amidst the ongoing 2026 presidential elections, concerns about integrity have arisen after votes reportedly disappeared from 14 voting machines across four regions. The Central Election Commission (CEC) found no evidence of campaigning in Prime Minister Rumen Radev's statements, a decision Democratic Bulgaria plans to challenge in court. Furthermore, opposition parties GERB, PP, and DB have criticized President Iliana Iotova and Prime Minister Rumen Radev, accusing them of 'flimsiness' and…

Economic Developments and Government Energy Pledges

The government has pledged that electricity and heating prices will remain unchanged until July 1, although individuals heating with gas will face price adjustments. This announcement comes as a European Commission report indicates that salaries in Bulgaria are growing faster than the national economy. Meanwhile, high electricity prices are compelling some businesses to temporarily halt operations, and milk processors' proposal for a 10% markup to retailers was refused. Additionally, over 1.8…

Legal and Investigative Developments

Businessman Minyo Staykov has been released from custody after 2.5 years and has subsequently halted his legal action against the prosecution, which he initiated shortly before he was to be prosecuted. In a separate legal matter, the prosecution and prison service are appealing the release of an individual convicted in connection with the death of Milen Tsvetkov. Additionally, authorities discovered 12 tons of tobacco in an illegal factory in Karnobat.