Stefan Tafrov published an open appeal on October 15, 2026, in Sofia, stating that the Black Sea is becoming a military zone and that Bulgaria must prepare to defend itself. In the text, he pointed out recurring drone attacks on commercial ships, including near the Bulgarian coast and in Romanian territorial waters, as well as established subversive operations by Russian agencies in Bulgaria and Romania over the past few years. Tafrov called for every case to be investigated based on evidence but stated that the lack of definitive attribution does not justify inaction. The author expressed concern that the Bulgarian political leadership does not show the necessary determination to protect national security. He urged citizens to demand from politicians evidence of the state's readiness to protect them, and the government to condemn the escalation of Russian military actions in the Black Sea, strengthen surveillance and protection of air and maritime space, accelerate the development of capabilities against drones, and improve coordination among institutions. According to the appeal, Bulgaria must work with allies to protect shipping, ports, and critical infrastructure. Tafrov urged the EU and NATO to treat the security of the Black Sea as an immediate priority and strengthen the defense of the eastern flank of the Alliance. He pointed out the need for integrated maritime and aerial surveillance, intelligence sharing, and joint capabilities against aerial and maritime drones. The appeal stated that the upcoming presidential elections provide an opportunity for public debate on security and Bulgaria's place in European politics. Among those who joined the appeal, Tafrov noted Rosen Plevneliev, Boyko Borissov, Ivan Kostov, Kiril Petkov, Nikolay Denkov, Anyu Angelov, Asen Vassilev, Atanas Zapryanov, Boyko Noev, Valentin Radev, Velizar Shalamanov, Gergana Pasi, Daniel Mitov, Korman Ismailov, Lydia Shuleva, Meglena Kuneva, Nadezhda Neynski, Nikolay Nenchev, Nikolay Svinarchov, Rumyana Buchvarova, Solomon Pasi, Todor Tagarev, Traicho Traikov, Chavdar Chervenko, Stefan Dimitrov, Dinko Ivanov, Valeri Rachev, Vesela Cherneva, Dimitar Ivanovski, Elena Poptodoorova, Ivan Anchev, Ilian Vassilev, Orhan Ismailov, Radan Kanev, and Stefan Tafrov. #НационалнаСигурност #ЧерноМоре #България (translated)
