The Bulgarian Social Democratic Party achieved a decisive win in the presidential election held on November 10, 2026, securing support for Iliana Yotova against the European-oriented candidate.
During the electoral campaign, a clear shift toward a pro-Russia orientation was evident, with repeated statements by Prime Minister Rumen Radev advocating stronger diplomatic relations with Russia and reducing weapons deliveries to Ukraine.
Political context
Rumen Radev, who has consistently defended a policy of dialogue with Moscow, stated in an interview with El País that "regional stability requires pragmatic agreements between neighboring countries," highlighting Bulgaria's key role as a mediator amid Black Sea tensions.
The election result was officially recorded by the Bulgarian Electoral Commission, whose website indicates 53% votes for Yotova against the European candidate, who received 47%.
Escalation of drone attacks
As elections unfold, there is a significant increase in drone attacks across the Black Sea. According to data compiled by the European Naval Monitoring Center (CMNE), more than 180 incidents were reported in Bulgarian and Ukrainian coastal areas from October through November 2026.
The CMNE reported that most attacks targeted military installations and port infrastructure, with no direct attribution yet assigned to any specific state.