A series of drone attacks on ships in the Black Sea has fuelled debate about the war and security ahead of Bulgaria’s largely ceremonial presidential election.
The race is believed to be between incumbent President Iliana Yotova, who advocates dialogue with Russia and opposes military support for Ukraine, and the more pro-Western Andrei Gyurov, who wants to see a greater NATO presence in the Black Sea.
Yotova is backed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who in June decided to stop arms deliveries to Ukraine from his country’s military stockpiles.
However, none of the candidates is expected to win an absolute majority in the first round. This means there will likely be a decisive second round next Sunday.