https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/rss Sat, 15 Aug 2026 12:09:39 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185890-foreign-ministry-advises-bulgarians-in-croatia-to-stay-informed-about-wildfire-s https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185890-foreign-ministry-advises-bulgarians-in-croatia-to-stay-informed-about-wildfire-s Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:55:46 +0300 Bulgarians in Croatia are advised to stay informed about developments in the country’s wildfire situation, according to recommendations issued by the Situation Centre at the Foreign Ministry and published on the Ministry’s website. The Ministry also advises Bulgarians to monitor the latest road conditions, given the possibility of the fires spreading and restrictions being imposed on the movement of people and motor vehicles through affected areas. As a result of the fires, temporary restrictions have been introduced across the country, and traffic on the Adriatic coastal road towards Makarska from the direction of Omis has been halted. At present, the A1 motorway towards Dubrovnik remains unaffected, with traffic moving normally. Croatian emergency services have assisted 36 people affected by the spreading wildfire near Lokva Rogoznica on the Croatian coast, while around 1,000 people have been evacuated, HINA reported. The fire, which has burned between 900 and 1,000 hectares of land, has now been brought under control, but damage assessment is still underway. World Nikolay Trifonov Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185349-over-8-mln-people-take-part-in-choosing-future-euro-banknote-design-ecb-officia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185349-over-8-mln-people-take-part-in-choosing-future-euro-banknote-design-ecb-officia Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:26:00 +0300 More than eight million people have taken part in a public consultation on the future design of euro banknotes, said Doris Schneeberger, Director of the Banknotes Directorate at the European Central Bank (ECB) in an interview with BTA. Bulgarian citizens can actively participate in shaping the future appearance of the banknotes as citizens of the euro area's 21st member, she said. According to Schneeberger, participation gives Europeans an opportunity to help shape one of the most tangible symbols of Europe. The ECB does not yet have a final breakdown of participation by country because the consultation is still ongoing. Interest in the consultation has increased significantly in recent weeks. Two weeks ago, the ECB reported more than six million participants, while more than eight million questionnaires have now been completed. This shows that euro banknotes remain important to citizens and that people want to have a say in their future design, Schneeberger said. The ECB is preparing the first comprehensive redesign of euro banknotes since they were introduced more than 20 years ago. The aim is to make the notes more closely connected to Europeans while improving their security, durability and accessibility. Unlike the current series, which features stylized architectural images, the new banknotes could depict real people, buildings, birds and natural motifs. Two themes have reached the final stage of the process: "European Culture" and "Rivers and Birds". They were selected following recommendations by an independent expert group and a public consultation in 2023, which attracted more than 365,000 participants. In selecting the final design, the ECB Governing Council will take into account the results of the public consultations, the assessment by the design competition jury and the technical requirements for the future banknotes. A decision is expected towards the end of 2026, Schneeberger said. The new series will feature advanced security elements designed to make counterfeiting more difficult and authentication easier. The ECB also plans additional improvements for people with visual impairments, including more distinctive colours, different banknote sizes and tactile markings, as well as, for the first time, markings resembling Braille. Work is also underway to extend the lifespan of banknotes, which should reduce both their environmental impact and the costs associated with replacing them. The redesign is being carried out alongside preparations for the digital euro. However, the ECB does not expect cash to decline to the point where it becomes secondary. According to Schneeberger, access to cash remains important for financial inclusion, privacy and the resilience of the payment system, particularly during crises or temporary disruptions to digital payments. Once the final design is selected, the technical adaptation, integration of security features, production preparations and testing will begin. As a result, it will take several years before the first banknotes of the new series reach the public. They will be introduced gradually, as was the case with the Europa series, the ECB's Director of the Banknotes Directorate said. Following is the full text of the interview: Over six million people have already participated in the public consultation. Is this level of engagement higher than the ECB expected and what does it suggest about Europeans' relationship with cash? Participation in the consultation has been very strong, with currently over eight million completed surveys. This high level of engagement is very encouraging, showing that euro banknotes matter to people and that citizens care about having a say in their future design. How many responses came from Bulgaria?  At this stage, with the survey still lasting more than a month, it is too early to provide a detailed breakdown by country, including Bulgaria. We encourage as many citizens as possible, in Bulgaria and all other euro area member states, to take this opportunity to voice their preferences. Bulgaria has become the 21st member of the euro area. How important is it for Bulgarian citizens to participate in this public consultation? The public consultation is an important opportunity for Bulgarian citizens as well to actively contribute to the future design of euro banknotes, ensuring they reflect the values and preferences of all Europeans, including those from Bulgaria. What message would you like to send to Bulgarian citizens who may still associate the euro mainly with economic and monetary policy rather than with a shared European identity? The euro banknotes are a powerful symbol of unity and shared European identity that connects us every day. By participating, Bulgarian citizens can help shape one of the most tangible representations of Europe. As such, this is now the opportunity for Bulgarians to help shaping a currency that is a daily reminder of the cooperation and unity that underpin the euro area. Why was it now considered the right moment for the first comprehensive redesign of euro banknotes since they were introduced more than 20 years ago? The redesign is part of the ECB's commitment to keep euro banknotes secure, attractive and accessible. After more than 20 years, it is time to refresh the designs to better connect with Europeans, improve on its sustainability and incorporate updated security features to stay ahead of counterfeiting threats. This process ensures the euro continues to be a trusted means of payment and a meaningful symbol for people across the euro area and beyond. The current euro banknotes deliberately avoid depicting real places or historical figures. What has changed in the ECB's thinking to make it open to more symbolic and culturally expressive designs? The change in the ECB's thinking originates from an effort to make euro banknotes more relatable and culturally expressive. Up until now, euro banknotes have depicted abstract monuments that symbolically represent Europe's shared cultural heritage but do not actually exist. However, themes and motifs for the new designs are now being selected with input from experts and feedback from focus groups and public surveys, reflecting a more inclusive and participatory process.  This shift creates an opportunity to feature real people, real birds and real buildings, making the banknotes more meaningful and relatable to the citizens of Europe while still showcasing the continent's rich cultural and natural heritage. The shortlisted themes are 'European culture' and 'Rivers and Birds'. Why were these ultimately preferred over more explicitly political or historical concepts? The themes 'European Culture' and 'Rivers and Birds' were chosen following recommendations by an independent expert group and a public consultation in summer 2023, in which over 365,000 Europeans provided their feedback. At the end of 2023, the Governing Council of the European Central Bank decided to proceed with these two themes due to their broad appeal across all euro area countries and the common thread of connecting Europe and Europeans. 'European Culture’ illustrates Europe's rich cultural heritage and its dynamic cultural and creative sectors strengthen our shared European identity, forging a shared sense of belonging. Culture promotes common values, inclusion and dialogue in Europe and beyond. It brings people together.  For 'Rivers and birds,' the idea is that the rivers and birds recognize no borders, symbolizing freedom and unity among Europeans and our connection to nature. Europe boasts a wide variety of rivers and birds that inspire us and remind us of our responsibility to protect the environment.  Euro banknotes are often described as one of the most tangible symbols of European integration. What story do you hope the new series will tell about Europe in the coming decades? These themes represent our European values, both now and in the future. With our future banknotes featuring one of them, they are a daily reminder of the European project - one which everyone can experience every single day. How much weight will public preferences carry in the Governing Council's final decision, compared to the recommendations of the expert jury and technical assessments? The Governing Council's final decision on the new euro banknote designs, expected around the end of 2026, will be based on a consideration of multiple inputs: the public's feedback, the Design Contest Jury report and a technical assessment.  Public preferences, gathered through two surveys, one via the ECB website and one being a representative survey conducted by a market research company, play a significant role in ensuring the designs resonate with citizens across the euro area, as the euro is the symbol of unity that belongs to everyone. However, the final decision will also account for the expertise of the jury, which evaluated the artistic and thematic quality of the designs, as well as the results of technical assessments to ensure the banknotes meet the highest standards of security, durability, and usability. This holistic approach ensures that the final designs are meaningful and relatable to the public while also being practical and secure for everyday use.  Once the designs are selected, technical work will commence to translate the design into actual banknotes. In a Union that continues to grow and evolve, how can a common banknote design represent the identities of more than 350 million Europeans without favoring individual countries? The chosen themes and motifs transcend national boundaries and reflect values, heritage and natural elements common to all European citizens.  'European Culture' focuses on the shared cultural spaces and depicts various cultural activities and spaces, and iconic European personalities who have contributed to building Europe's cultural heritage. Their lives span six centuries, during which they lived, travelled and worked across our continent, and their accomplishments have resonated around the world. The motifs for 'Rivers and Birds' highlight the resilience in diversity of Europe's natural ecosystems by showcasing different stages of rivers and various bird species, emphasising the importance of nature and environmental protection; also featuring the European institutions that remind us of the fundamental values of the European project. Beyond aesthetics, what technical innovations should citizens expect from the next generation of euro banknotes? What new anti-counterfeiting technologies are likely to be incorporated into the redesigned banknotes? The European Central Bank, like all central banks, has a duty to safeguard the integrity and security of its euro banknotes.  To make sure that euro banknotes remain accessible and inclusive, we develop innovative security features that everyone can easily recognize and trust. To stay ahead of counterfeiters, we continuously work to improve these features and to develop new ones for the future banknotes. The new series will introduce advanced security features, making the banknotes more difficult to counterfeit and easier to check for everyone. The ECB has said that the new notes will be more secure, accessible, and environmentally sustainable. Which of these three objectives has proved the most challenging from a design and technological perspective? During the introduction of the last series, security has likely been the most challenging objective for the ECB. Counterfeiting methods evolve constantly, requiring the integration of advanced or new security features.  Balancing these innovations with usability and production efficiency adds complexity. Especially as the banknotes with the new features finally need to be handled and authenticated by thousands of machines like vending machines throughout the euro area. The ECB's ability to innovate in this area while addressing accessibility and sustainability demonstrates its commitment to producing banknotes that meet modern societal needs. How will the new banknotes improve accessibility for visually impaired people? The new euro banknotes will build on the experience from the current banknotes by keeping the different sizes of the notes and the tactile marks and will further enhance accessibility for visually impaired individuals for example through more distinct colours, and, for the first time, Braille-like marks.  These improvements are part of the ECB's commitment to ensuring usability for everyone while also paying special emphasis to vulnerable groups. We actively consult stakeholders, such as the European Blind Union, on a regular basis to incorporate their feedback throughout the redesign process, ensuring the new banknotes meet the needs of visually impaired users and are as inclusive as possible. Will the redesigned notes also have a longer lifespan, thereby reducing replacement costs for the Eurosystem? The ECB is conscious of the environmental impact of the euro banknotes and constantly aims to reduce it. We also strive for technologically sustainable solutions that can help reduce the environmental footprint of our euro banknotes and processes. One focus is to increase the lifespan of our new euro banknotes. By extending the life cycle of banknotes, the Eurosystem can achieve greater cost efficiency while aligning with its commitment to sustainability. The redesign is taking place alongside preparations for the digital euro. Some observers see the redesign as a symbolic reaffirmation of the role of cash. Do you agree? The redesign of euro banknotes reaffirms the vital role of cash and the ECB's commitment to it. Cash remains essential for inclusivity, privacy and resilience, especially during crises and as back-up in case digital payments would be temporarily unavailable, for example during a power outage. Cash will continue to play an important role for businesses and citizens alike. How do you think the role of cash will evolve within the euro area over the next decade? For the future, the Eurosystem is committed to ensuring public money will be accessible in both forms: As cash and as digital euro, so that Europeans continue to have the freedom of choice of how to pay.  These efforts are also reflected in the Single Currency Package of the European Commission, which via the Legal Tender of Cash Regulation aims to safeguard the role of euro cash. Once the Governing Council has selected the winning design later this year, what steps remain before citizens can receive the new banknotes? Once the Governing Council selects the final design around the end of 2026, the process will move from the design phase towards the technical implementation. The chosen design will undergo technical adaptation through the integration of advanced security features, preparation of production processes and testing, ensuring the banknotes meet the highest standards of durability, usability, and protection against counterfeiting. It will therefore take several years before the first banknotes of the new series reach people’s pockets. Can Europeans expect all denominations to enter circulation simultaneously, or will the rollout be gradual? The future euro banknotes will be launched in a staggered approach like for the Europa series, the concrete timing will take into account the feedback from various stakeholders, such as commercial banks, cash-in-transit companies and retailers, as well as the lessons learned from the introduction of the Europa series. World Veneta Litkova Boycho Popov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185142-burgas-chosen-to-host-eurovision-2027 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1185142-burgas-chosen-to-host-eurovision-2027 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 19:35:00 +0300 Burgas will host the 71st Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 after beating Sofia in the final stage of the selection process, Bulgarian National Television and the European Broadcasting Union said on Thursday. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 11 and 13, with the final on May 15. Burgas, Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna submitted bids. An international committee assessed their venues, infrastructure, accommodation capacity and transport links, eliminating Plovdiv and Varna in the first stage. Arena Burgas will host the contest, while the Turquoise Carpet and Eurovision Village are planned for central seafront locations. Bulgaria earned the right to host Eurovision for the first time after Dara won the 2026 contest in Vienna with Bangaranga. BNT Director General Milena Milotinova said Burgas was “the clear choice” following a comprehensive assessment. Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov pledged that the city would “perform at a high level” and become a successful host. Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev congratulated Burgas, saying: “Eurovision 2027 is a unique opportunity for Bulgaria, and we must all work together to make the most of it.” Sofia will support the event and seek to make the capital part of the experience for visitors. Culture Minister Evtim Miloshev called the contest “an enormous opportunity for the whole of Bulgaria” to showcase its talent, hospitality and cultural potential. “The Ministry of Culture will stand with all of you. We move forward together,” he added. Burgas Deputy Mayor Mihail Nenov said the city would consult the Education Ministry about declaring additional non-school days during the contest. “We will certainly find ourselves in an unprecedented situation,” he said, pointing to the expected pressure on traffic, security, medical services and waste collection. President Iliana Iotova described the contest as an opportunity to showcase Bulgaria’s hospitality and cultural heritage and attract more tourists to the Black Sea. “Magic happens when you love the Bulgarian sea and your native shores!” she said. Vazrazhdane’s Sofia chapter struck a critical note, blaming Terziev for Sofia’s loss and estimating that the capital had missed out on EUR 80 million in potential economic gains. “While the Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria mayor was telling the media how prepared the city was, the Burgas administration got the job done,” the party organization said. World Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184632-burgas-to-host-eurovision-song-contest-in-2027 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184632-burgas-to-host-eurovision-song-contest-in-2027 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:17:00 +0300 The coastal city of Burgas will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year, it was announced at a joint press conference of the Bulgarian National Television (BNT) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) here on Thursday. The two semifinals will take place on May 11 and 13. The final will be held on May 15.  Four Bulgarian cities expressed an interest in hosting Eurovision 2027 and submitted bids: Burgas, Varna, Plovdiv and Sofia. The selection process began in June, after BNT held an information meeting with representatives of the four municipalities that had expressed interest in hosting the contest. A committee comprising representatives of BNT and the European Broadcasting Union, as well as experts, reviewed the bids and assessed the technical specifications of the proposed venues, their compliance with EBU requirements and the contest’s production standards. During the evaluation process, Varna and Plovdiv were eliminated, leaving Burgas and Sofia in the running, according to the international evaluation committee. At Thursday's press conference, BNT Director General Milena Milotinova said that, in addition to the two semifinals and the final in May 2027, there will be six pre-contest shows. Information about them will be announced in stages as details are finalized. Speaking to BTA, Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov said Arena Burgas, the host venue, would undergo a complete transformation. Improvements will be made to the venue's acoustics and visitor comfort, while infrastructure upgrades will also be carried out across the city. "I looked at the cities that have hosted Eurovision so far. In recent years, it turns out that quite a few of them have not been capitals. We have Basel, Malmo, Liverpool, Rotterdam and Turin. So it is not unprecedented for the assessment committee to choose a city that is not a capital," Milotinova said. "We will do our best to make sure we perform at a high level and that Burgas goes down as a successful host in the long history of this wonderful and biggest live music event in the world," Nikolov said. "The international evaluation committee conducted a comprehensive assessment of both Sofia and Burgas. We cannot say that Burgas prevailed on any single criterion, as the assessment covered all parameters. Based on all the requirements, Burgas was the clear choice," Milotinova said. She said BNT aims to involve all the bidding cities in the additional events, in recognition of the quality of their proposals, as well as their enthusiasm, willingness and commitment to the contest. "Our ambition is to showcase Bulgaria as a whole, everything it has to offer, all its talent and all its beauty, and to make Eurovision a national event as well as a major international one, as befits a global event of this scale," she added. "Burgas is popular as a centre of the southern Black Sea coast, with its good infrastructure and connectivity. Perhaps Burgas and the area around Burgas Bay receive every summer several times more tourists than the number of Eurovision guests we expect, and I am convinced that this long-standing experience in the tourism sector will help us meet this challenge extremely successfully," Nikolov said. "One of the locations is right by the sea, in the Sea Garden, close to the shoreline. That is where the events will begin, in the very centre of the city. In general, we will present Bulgaria's Black Sea coast and the area around Burgas in the most attractive and impressive way possible," the mayor said. Nikolov said the Turquoise Carpet would be laid in the Sea Garden, right on the seafront. The Eurovision Village will be located in the city centre. Additional locations have also been planned, depending on the weather during the contest, he added. "We will ensure connectivity through Burgas Airport. The beginning of May also marks the start of the summer tourist season. We have already agreed on full support and cooperation with most hotels. The national carrier will provide additional flights from Sofia. Burgas Airport itself will handle arrivals. As additional options, we have also identified Istanbul Airport and are already in preliminary talks, as geographically it is closer than Sofia Airport. Of course, there is also Varna Airport, because the operator of Burgas Airport is the same as that of Varna Airport," Nikolov said. Burgas Airport is expected to handle at least 21 flights per hour, he said. "These are about 18,000 passengers, and I am convinced that the busiest days at Burgas Airport will help us meet this challenge as well," Nikolov added. World Dimitrina Solakova Risida Dimitrova Diana Dukovska https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184693-russian-attack-on-passenger-train-in-odesa-region-kills-two https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184693-russian-attack-on-passenger-train-in-odesa-region-kills-two Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:24:25 +0300 A train with 340 passengers, including 67 children and train crew, was attacked in the Odesa region on Thursday morning, Odesa Regional Military Administration Head Oleh Kiper reported on his Telegram channel. The locomotive was hit, killing the driver and his assistant, Kiper added. None of the train's passengers were injured. The regional governor extended condolences to the bereaved families. He noted that, under the coordination of the Odesa Regional Military Administration and thanks to the joint efforts of all services, the passengers were promptly evacuated from the site of the attack. Twelve buses transported them to a safe location in Odesa. Ambulances also took part in the passenger evacuation operation, Kiper said. Bulgarians in the Odesa region number over 150,000 and were the third largest population group in Ukraine in 2001, according to the official census. About 50,000 - 60,000 Bulgarians live in the city of Odesa itself. The largest compact Bulgarian population is concentrated in the Bolhrad, Izmail and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi districts. World Kristina Ivanova BTA corresspondent Svetlana Dragneva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1184669-sofia-mayor-terziev-after-burgas-chosen-to-host-eurovision-we-should-jointly-ta https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/1184669-sofia-mayor-terziev-after-burgas-chosen-to-host-eurovision-we-should-jointly-ta Thu, 13 Aug 2026 12:04:00 +0300 Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev posted on Facebook: "Congratulations to Burgas! Eurovision 2027 is a unique opportunity for Bulgaria, and we must all work together to make the most of it." Terziev published the post after Sofia lost to Burgas in the race to host the Eurovision Song Contest. At a live streamed press conference on Thursday, Bulgarian National Television announced that Burgas will host the Eurovision Song Contest next year. The two semi-finals will take place on May 11 and 13. The final will take place on May 15. On this occasion, Terziev wrote that Sofia will support the hosting of the event and welcome all guests who choose to visit the capital. "Our city has much to offer, and I believe that many of the visitors will discover this during their stay here. We will show the whole world that our country is united, modern and fully prepared for major European triumphs, because for us the national cause is above everything else," Terziev said. He thanked everyone who had worked on and supported Sofia’s bid. "We will use elements of it to make the capital part of the experience for visitors to Bulgaria in 2027," the mayor added. Looking forward to Eurovision 2027, Terziev wished Burgas great success. "Thank you, DARA / Darina Yotova, for this privilege," Terziev wrote. Bulgaria Risida Dimitrova Sofia Gospodinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184511-new-rules-for-more-circular-european-automotive-sector-enter-into-force https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184511-new-rules-for-more-circular-european-automotive-sector-enter-into-force Thu, 13 Aug 2026 08:05:00 +0300 New EU rules governing the life cycle and recycling of vehicles enter into force on August 13. The European Parliament and Council Regulation on end-of-life vehicles changes the rules governing their design, production, collection and treatment, the European Commission said. The new rules will promote designs that make vehicles easier to dismantle at the end of their useful life, enabling spare parts to be reused and materials to be recycled. This will help recover valuable raw materials such as steel, aluminium, copper and plastics. The Regulation is expected to help secure supplies of secondary raw materials and reduce Europe’s dependence on imports of primary resources used in vehicle manufacturing. Overall, the new rules are intended to contribute to a more resilient industrial base. The changed regulatory framework is also expected to create new business opportunities across the entire supply chain and encourage closer cooperation between manufacturers and companies involved in vehicle dismantling and recycling, while reducing waste and environmental impact. The Regulation also introduces requirements for the use of recycled materials in new vehicles. It sets mandatory targets for recycled plastic content of 15% from 2032 and 25% from 2036. In addition, the European Commission sets targets for the recycled content of steel and aluminium, which are to apply from 2033. The new phased requirements are seen as an important step towards creating a genuine market for secondary raw materials by providing long-term certainty for investors and manufacturers and encouraging investment in recycling capacity, the EC said. The legislation also provides for stricter enforcement measures, including stronger requirements for tracking and collecting end-of-life vehicles and for clearly distinguishing them from vehicles that are still in use. Under the Regulation, from mid-2031, only roadworthy vehicles may be exported outside the EU. This measure is intended to help protect the environment and prevent end-of-life vehicles from being exported as used vehicles. The new EU legislation will also strengthen cooperation between manufacturers and waste-management operators and expand the regulatory framework to cover additional categories of vehicles, including trucks, buses and motorcycles. According to data cited by the European Commission, between 10 million and 12 million vehicles reach the end of their useful life in Europe every year. World Risida Dimitrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1184426-uk-extends-license-allowing-transactions-with-lukoil-s-bulgarian-companies-until https://www.bta.bg/en/news/economy/1184426-uk-extends-license-allowing-transactions-with-lukoil-s-bulgarian-companies-until Wed, 12 Aug 2026 20:57:39 +0300 The United Kingdom has extended until October 29 the general license allowing transactions with the Bulgarian subsidiaries of Russian oil giant Lukoil, after the previous authorization was due to expire on August 13, Bulgaria's Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry said on Wednesday. Lukoil owns the Neftohim oil refinery in the Bulgarian Black Sea city of Burgas and a chain of around 500 filling stations across Bulgaria. The Russian company was sanctioned over its support for Moscow's war against Ukraine. The extension allows Lukoil's companies in Bulgaria to continue their operations despite the sanctions imposed by London on the Russian company in October last year. The extension had been requested by the Bulgarian side to align its validity period with a license issued by the US authorities, the Economy Ministry said. "We took the necessary steps to ensure security of supply and the smooth operation of the refinery," said Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Alexander Poulev, as quoted in the press release. The license issued by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) at the UK's Treasury covers Lukoil Bulgaria, Lukoil Neftochim Burgas, Lukoil Aviation Bulgaria and Lukoil-Bulgaria Bunker. The authorization is necessary to allow the companies to make payments and carry out other transactions related to their normal business operations without their counterparties and the financial institutions servicing them breaching the UK's sanctions regime. The Economy Ministry in Sofia also said it will continue to monitor the process and work closely with international partners to ensure the continued operation of the Neftohim refinery. The first UK general license for Lukoil's Bulgarian assets came into effect on November 14, 2025, and was initially due to remain valid until February 14, 2026. It authorized payments to and from the affected companies under existing and new contracts and the processing of such payments by banks and other financial institutions. In February 2026, the UK extended the license until August 13. At the time, the Bulgarian Energy Ministry said the decision resulted from the Bulgarian government's efforts to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the companies and security of supply. Alongside the UK sanctions, Lukoil is also subject to US restrictions. In October 2025, the US included Lukoil and Rosneft, as well as dozens of their subsidiaries, in a sanctions package. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the US Department of the Treasury also issued a separate license for Lukoil's Bulgarian companies. In April 2026, its validity was extended until October 29, allowing transactions necessary for their operations. The UK and US authorizations now therefore expire on the same date. Following the imposition of the sanctions, Lukoil announced plans to sell its international assets and began considering offers from potential buyers. At the end of January, the company announced that it had reached an agreement with US investment company Carlyle to sell Lukoil International GmbH, through which the group's international assets are held. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals, including from OFAC. The Bulgarian assets are among the Russian group's significant international holdings and include the Neftohim refinery and fuel trading and distribution operations. The refinery is the largest in the Balkans. The US authorities have also repeatedly extended a separate licence allowing negotiations and certain transactions related to the sale of Lukoil's international assets. On July 24, the US Treasury extended the license by another month, until August 22. Economy Valentin Evstatiev Boycho Popov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184111-foreign-minister-swiss-ambassador-discuss-expanding-economic-and-technology-tie https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1184111-foreign-minister-swiss-ambassador-discuss-expanding-economic-and-technology-tie Wed, 12 Aug 2026 15:35:01 +0300 Expanding Swiss investment in Bulgaria and cooperation in innovation and science were among the main topics discussed by Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova and Swiss Ambassador to Bulgaria Pierre Hagmann, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on its website on Wednesday. The two considered opportunities for closer cooperation in high technology, artificial intelligence and innovative medicine, the Ministry said. Petrova highlighted the significant potential for developing economic relations and technological partnership between Bulgaria and Switzerland. The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University was cited as an example of successful Bulgarian-Swiss cooperation. INSAIT was established in partnership with two leading Swiss technology institutes, ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, and is the first institution in Eastern Europe to offer world-class working conditions comparable to those at leading Western universities and research institutes. Petrova said that digitalisation and artificial intelligence could contribute to the development of the public sector, improving services and building more transparent institutions. The two officials expressed their readiness to deepen cooperation in science and innovative medicine as well. The implementation of the Bulgarian-Swiss Cooperation Programme was also among the main topics of the meeting. The project supports strategic reforms in Bulgaria and covers 11 programmes in five key areas, including healthcare and the social system, education, migration and security, and the environment and climate. The Minister reaffirmed the Bulgarian government's commitment to accelerating the implementation of the projects. The Ambassador praised Bulgaria's progress towards Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development membership and noted the opportunities for attracting additional Swiss investment to the country. The relations between the European Union and Switzerland were also discussed. Petrova expressed support for deepening the partnership, including in the areas of foreign policy, security and defence. World Kristina Ivanova Nikolay Trifonov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1183460-metropolitan-joseph-of-the-us-canada-and-australia-hospitalized-following-traff https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1183460-metropolitan-joseph-of-the-us-canada-and-australia-hospitalized-following-traff Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:27:00 +0300 Metropolitan Joseph of the US, Canada and Australia has been hospitalized following a traffic accident in New York on August 7, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry told BTA Tuesday. The Metropolitan is conscious and out of danger. The Bulgarian Consulate General in New York is monitoring the condition of Metropolitan Joseph. A representative of the Consulate General visited him on August 9 at the medical facility where he is being treated. According to the medical team, the Metropolitan is in stable condition, conscious and out of danger. Metropolitan Joseph remains under medical observation. The Consulate General in New York is ready to provide any necessary assistance if needed. The Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church issued a statement stating that on August 7, 2026, Metropolitan Joseph was struck by a car. Immediately after the accident, he was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he underwent the necessary medical examinations and was admitted for treatment.  The statement specifies that for about 24 hours, the diocesan administration had no information regarding Metropolitan Joseph’s whereabouts or condition. The reason was that upon his admission to the hospital, the Metropolitan had been registered in the hospital system under his first name rather than his last name. With the assistance of the New York Police Department, Metropolitan Joseph’s whereabouts were determined and contact with him was reestablished. In the accident, Metropolitan Joseph suffered a fracture of the little toe on his left foot, for which he underwent successful surgery. At this time, Metropolitan Joseph is recovering well; his condition is stable and encouraging, and he is expected to be discharged from the hospital soon, the statement notes. It also expresses gratitude to all clergy and laity who have offered prayers and shown concern for his health. World Dimitrina Solakova Nikolay Trifonov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1183526-bulgaria-expresses-condolences-over-deadly-earthquake-in-colombia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1183526-bulgaria-expresses-condolences-over-deadly-earthquake-in-colombia Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:59:43 +0300 Bulgaria expresses its deepest condolences over the tragic loss of life and the devastation caused by the earthquake in Colombia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X Tuesday. The Ministry expressed solidarity with the Colombian people, and hope for a swift and full recovery of all those affected. The death toll from the earthquake in Colombia on Monday has reached 169, the Colombian mayors' association said Tuesday, as quoted by Agence France-Presse. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella reported 111 deaths on Tuesday evening, DPA noted. Hundreds of people were injured in the 7.4-magnitude disaster, one of the strongest earthquakes in decades. Colombian authorities declared a state of emergency to deal with the aftermath of the quake. World Kristina Ivanova Nikolay Trifonov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1183249-no-response-yet-from-ukraine-on-drone-that-crashed-near-bulgaria-romania-border- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1183249-no-response-yet-from-ukraine-on-drone-that-crashed-near-bulgaria-romania-border- Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:03:00 +0300 Despite Monday’s meeting between Bulgaria’s Foreign Minister and Ukraine's Ambassador to Bulgaria, the inquiry sent to Ukraine through the security services has still received no response, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said here on Tuesday, commenting the drone that crashed on Saturday in the immediate vicinity of the former Kardam Border Crossing with Romania. On August 8, a drone entered Bulgarian airspace and crashed some 100 meters inside Bulgarian territory, having approached from the direction of Romania. A preliminary analysis indicated that the aircraft was most likely a Maya decoy drone used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Minister said he had again spoken earlier in the day with the head of the Military Intelligence Service and instructed him to hold another meeting with Ukraine's military attaché and request the information once again. "We still have no such information," Stoyanov stressed. The Interior Ministry has also not provided information on whether there were explosives on board, he said, adding that he hoped it would be received soon.  According to the Stoyanov, the fact that Ukraine has not sent drones in this direction does not mean that this particular drone could not have come from there. He explained that the drone's movement could also have been affected by GPS signal interference. "Of course, we are also monitoring GPS signal distortion. It comes from both warring sides," he said, adding that this is being observed over more than half of the country's territory. "Today we will again insist on receiving an answer as to whether they used this drone. We sent Ukraine the identification details and the serial number associated with the drone's manufacture as early as Saturday. And we are asking them for information," Stoyanov said. According to the Minister, the drone came from Romanian territory, judging by the way the debris was scattered. The Bulgarian side sent photographs to Romania, which confirmed the drone's identification. Ukraine has also confirmed its type.  Stoyanov noted that detecting such unmanned aircraft is difficult when they fly at low altitudes. The Minister said the Defence Ministry is in talks to acquire additional counter-drone systems.  The Defence Minister said that Bulgaria is currently holding serious talks on the purchase of such additional systems as soon as possible and deploying them. He specified that several systems are expected to be acquired within a month. According to him, acquiring the systems through the SAFE mechanism would take longer, as such systems are not available off the shelf and would take a year to produce. "There are no such products ready-made and available for purchase. They are made to order," the Minister explained. The situation around Bezmer Air Base is calm, with two tanker aircraft deployed there, and there have been no incidents. "Things are moving in the right direction," the Minister said in response to a journalist's question. Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov is in Yambol, where he discussed the development of the Kabile military formation with representatives of the local authorities. World Metodi Yordanov Nelly Zheleva BTA correspondent Mira Bezus https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182966-bulgarian-consulate-general-in-toronto-urges-bulgarians-in-british-columbia-to-e https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182966-bulgarian-consulate-general-in-toronto-urges-bulgarians-in-british-columbia-to-e Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:38:53 +0300 Bulgarian citizens in the Canadian province of British Columbia should exercise increased caution and follow the instructions of local authorities due to the spread of numerous forest fires, Bulgaria's Consulate General in Toronto said on its Facebook page on Monday. As of August 10, 2026, over 100 active forest fires have been registered in British Columbia. A significant number of them pose a serious threat to the population and infrastructure. Due to the scale and rapid spread of the fires, the provincial authorities have declared a state of emergency, the diplomatic mission informed. According to the latest available data, about 21,700 people have been evacuated, and approximately 9,700 people are under evacuation alert. At present, there is no information about injured or affected Bulgarian citizens in connection with the fires in the province of British Columbia," the Consulate General added. "We urge all Bulgarian citizens in British Columbia to exercise increased caution and strictly follow the messages and instructions of local and provincial authorities,” the diplomatic mission said. If an Evacuation Order is issued, citizens should immediately leave the area, using the routes designated by the authorities. If an Evacuation Alert is issued, citizens should be prepared to leave immediately and prepare their personal documents, medicines and necessary medical supplies, the most necessary personal belongings, food and water, a charged mobile phone and sufficient fuel or charge for the car. In case of immediate danger to life or health, citizens should call 911. "We urge Bulgarian citizens in British Columbia to regularly monitor the official information channels of local authorities and to take the necessary actions in a timely manner to protect their lives and health,” the statement concluded. World Atanas Malakchiev Valeria Skoric https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182957-foreign-ministry-warns-of-flight-disruptions-to-china-due-to-typhoon-dolphin https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182957-foreign-ministry-warns-of-flight-disruptions-to-china-due-to-typhoon-dolphin Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:37:33 +0300 Many flights to and from China are expected to be cancelled or postponed until August 12 due to Typhoon Dolphin, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Situation Centre announced on its website on Monday. Typhoon Dolphin weakened to a tropical storm, bringing heavy rains and flooding to eastern China on Monday after making landfall a day earlier, the Associated Press reported earlier in the day. A number of public services have been suspended, traffic on land and rail arteries has been disrupted, and many international and domestic flights are expected to be cancelled or postponed until August 12, the Ministry reported. The Ministry recommends that Bulgarian citizens strictly follow the instructions of local authorities, settle in safe places and regularly inform themselves about the development of the meteorological situation. In case of upcoming trips, contact should be maintained with the relevant airline to check the status of upcoming flights. World Nikolay Trifonov Atanas Malakchiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182760-foreign-minister-arab-ambassadors-discuss-middle-east-connectivity-and-coopera https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182760-foreign-minister-arab-ambassadors-discuss-middle-east-connectivity-and-coopera Mon, 10 Aug 2026 15:16:00 +0300 The situation in the Middle East, connectivity and opportunities for practical cooperation were among the topics discussed by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova and ambassadors of Arab countries accredited to Bulgaria, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday. Petrova said Bulgaria and the Arab countries are connected by friendship based on trust, mutual respect and a shared commitment to peace and stability. The meeting focused on the current situation in the Middle East and its implications for regional and global security. The participants stressed the importance of diplomacy, dialogue and respect for international law in achieving sustainable de-escalation and lasting peace. They also discussed ensuring the freedom and security of navigation along strategic maritime routes, supporting international diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation of conflicts, and addressing the severe humanitarian situation in some of the region’s worst-affected countries. Petrova presented the Bulgarian government’s foreign policy priorities and strategic vision, stressing the need to turn established political dialogue into practical cooperation. Prospects for expanding ties in areas including trade and investment, innovation and digital technologies were discussed. The meeting also addressed opportunities for developing sustainable energy, transport and digital connections between Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf states. Petrova said connectivity is a strategic priority for Bulgaria and an investment in the future. She noted that Bulgaria’s geographical position and developed transport and energy infrastructure give the country significant potential to contribute to stronger links between the two regions. On Monday, Petrova also met with Ukrainian Ambassador to Bulgaria Olesia Ilashchuk over the incident involving a drone that fell near Kardam on Saturday. World Veneta Litkova Nelly Zheleva https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182675-austrian-winegrowers-call-for-emergency-distillation-of-up-to-10-mln-litres-of-r https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182675-austrian-winegrowers-call-for-emergency-distillation-of-up-to-10-mln-litres-of-r Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:43:12 +0300 Austrian winegrowers are calling for emergency distillation of red wine into industrial alcohol, as international pressure on the red wine market is being felt by many local producers who are unable to sell a large proportion of their output. The Austrian Winegrowers' Association supports emergency distillation, under which wine would be processed into industrial alcohol, Austrian public broadcaster ORF reports. The trend of more people choosing not to drink alcohol, which is particularly affecting red wine consumption, is becoming an increasingly serious problem for many winegrowers, as storage facilities are already running out of space. The red wine regions of Lower Austria are also feeling the effects, says Reinhard Zochmann, President of the Lower Austrian Winegrowers' Association. The province of Burgenland has also been affected. Against this backdrop, the Austrian Winegrowers' Association is advocating for the emergency distillation of up to 10 million litres of red wine, whereby unsaleable products would be processed into industrial alcohol for use in medicine or in cleaning agents. For the measure to be economically viable, an application to the European Union must be approved. In that case, emergency distillation would be supported with funding from an EU crisis fund for agriculture. Similar applications have already been approved in France and Germany. Before submitting the application, the situation in Austria needs to be thoroughly assessed. The autumn harvest will be awaited to determine whether the surplus will amount to around 10 million litres. World Diana Dukovska BTA Special by Tsvetana Delibaltova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182655-ukrainian-ambassador-tells-foreign-minister-petrova-ukraine-did-not-deliberately https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182655-ukrainian-ambassador-tells-foreign-minister-petrova-ukraine-did-not-deliberately Mon, 10 Aug 2026 13:16:00 +0300 Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova met with Ukraine's Ambassador to Bulgaria on Monday over a drone incursion into Bulgarian airspace near Kardam, the Foreign Ministry said. The meeting took place at the Ministry. A preliminary analysis indicated that the aircraft was most likely a Maya decoy drone used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. During the meeting, Petrova voiced Bulgaria's serious concern and said any unauthorized incursion into its airspace was unacceptable. Bulgaria asked Ukraine to provide all available information that could help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. Petrova said Bulgaria considered it essential that the necessary measures be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The need for direct and effective communication channels between the relevant institutions of both countries was also noted. The Ambassador voiced deep concern over the incident and said Ukraine had not deliberately directed any unmanned aerial vehicles towards Bulgaria. She confirmed that Ukraine was ready to cooperate fully in establishing all the circumstances surrounding the incident. Bulgaria also remained in contact with Romania over the drone incursion. Petrova informed the foreign ministers of the EU Member States about the incident and the steps taken by Bulgaria. NATO allies will exchange the latest information on the matter on Wednesday. Bulgaria will continue to defend its sovereignty and the security of its citizens. It also maintains its position that ending hostilities and achieving a just and lasting peace through diplomatic efforts are essential to security and stability in the region, the Foreign Ministry said. The drone entered Bulgarian airspace from the north and exploded about 100 m inside Bulgarian territory near the former Kardam border checkpoint on Saturday. It came down in a sunflower field about 1,000 m from the Kardam compressor station on the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline. The incident caused no casualties or damage to infrastructure or agricultural land. The aircraft was not detected by Bulgarian or Romanian radar systems, prompting the authorities to strengthen surveillance and security measures along the northern border. World Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182445-board-of-peace-envoy-mladenov-says-gaza-plan-guarantees-avoiding-repeat-of-trage https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182445-board-of-peace-envoy-mladenov-says-gaza-plan-guarantees-avoiding-repeat-of-trage Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:02:00 +0300 In an interview for Israel's Channel 12 that aired on Sunday, Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, who serves as the High Representative for Gaza at the US-backed Board of Peace (BoP), said that the US plan for Gaza that was rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hour earlier is the only "guarantee" of preventing a repeat of the October 7, 2023, massacre. Netanyahu rejected BoP's 15-point plan, as he argued that the Israeli army should not withdraw until Hamas's complete disarmament. World Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182367-zelenskyy-in-belgrade-patriot-missiles-eu-accession-and-ukraine-serbia-coopera https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182367-zelenskyy-in-belgrade-patriot-missiles-eu-accession-and-ukraine-serbia-coopera Sun, 09 Aug 2026 17:47:00 +0300 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was on his first official visit to Belgrade since taking office, met his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday in the Serbian capital. Following the official welcoming ceremony and the one-on-one meeting between the two presidents, a meeting was held between the Serbian and Ukrainian delegations. The main topics on the agenda of the visit were European integration, economic cooperation and energy cooperation. At a joint press conference Zelenskyy said that Kyiv and Washington have agreed on monthly US deliveries of interceptor missiles for Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine. He noted, however, that the missiles being supplied will not be sufficient to protect Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader said that at the beginning of the war with Russia he requested a license from the Biden administration to produce Patriot systems – and now, he and President Donald Trump have agreed that such a license will be provided. Zelenskyy said that he understood Vucic’s scepticism about joining the EU, but stressed that Ukraine is at war and has a clear vision of what it wants to become in the future. "It is not just about reality and enthusiasm when choosing the path towards the EU. I understand Aleksandar’s scepticism, which he shared with me in considerable detail yesterday. Ukraine has no time for scepticism. We are at war, and we realize and understand what Ukraine needs to be in the future," Zelenskyy said. "The President and I discussed bilateral cooperation and measures that could strengthen our infrastructure, railways and security. There are specific infrastructure development projects, including reconstruction projects in Ukraine, that we could implement together. This would make a significant contribution to preserving existing jobs and creating new ones both in Ukraine and Serbia," he said. He added that they had discussed the challenges facing Ukraine, as well as thermal power plants in the country that have come under attack. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was grateful that Serbia would provide a new package of humanitarian aid, particularly in the areas of healthcare and energy. He also said that talks on a free trade agreement between Ukraine and Serbia were making progress. Serbian President Vucic said at the press conference that his country would always support Ukraine on its path towards European Union integration. "Ukraine will always have the full support of our country on its European path, and I am grateful to the Ukrainian President for the support he has given Serbia. I made it clear that we support the United Nations Charter and Ukraine’s territorial integrity, just as we are deeply grateful to Ukraine for supporting the territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia. We will continue to pursue this principled policy," the Serbian President said. "We discussed ways of improving our bilateral relations in all areas of social life, and I believe that through cooperation in agriculture, energy and all other fields, trade between our countries can increase significantly. We also discussed joint infrastructure projects and the involvement of Ukrainian companies in Serbia, and I believe we can achieve good and highly significant results in the future," Vucic said. "We did not discuss any military cooperation today. What will happen after the war is over is a different matter," Vucic said. However, at the end of his remarks to the media, he did refer to the security sector. "We will open a drone factory here in September, but together with the Israelis. The Ukrainians are highly successful in this field and have many of their own drone factories," the Serbian President added. At a subsequent meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut, which had not been announced in advance, the sides discussed bilateral relations, the current situation in Ukraine and key European and international issues. The Serbian government's press service described the meeting as an open and substantive discussion. Macut stressed that Serbia remains firmly committed to peace and believes that lasting solutions can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy. He noted that Serbia continuously provides humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Ukraine, thereby reaffirming its solidarity with people affected by the conflict and its determination to contribute, within its capabilities, to mitigating its consequences. "As a country that understands the value of peace, Serbia will always support any serious effort that leads to an end to the conflict, reduces suffering and creates the conditions for a stable and secure future. Our policy is clear and principled – respect for international law, preserving peace and stability, and open dialogue with all partners," Macut said. In a Facebook post Zelenskyy thanked Serbia for expressing a willingness to take part in the reconstruction of a Ukrainian city affected by the war with Russia. The Ukrainian President was also grateful for Serbia's decision to allocate EUR 2 million in support of his country's energy sector. According to the Facebook post, Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Macut discussed joint economic and logistical projects: the development of the Danube corridor and the strengthening of ties between Ukraine, the Western Balkans and the European Union. World Risida Dimitrova Valentin Evstatiev Nikolay Zabov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182267-twelve-injured-in-overnight-missile-and-drone-attack-on-odesa https://www.bta.bg/en/news/world/1182267-twelve-injured-in-overnight-missile-and-drone-attack-on-odesa Sun, 09 Aug 2026 11:55:00 +0300 The number of injured in the overnight attack in Odesa has risen to 12, with 11 of them hospitalized in a moderately serious condition, Oleg Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Administration, reported on his Telegram channel on Sunday. According to the regional governor, there was another attack in the Odesa region Sunday afternoon, which struck a residential area. The strike caused damage to a residential building and caused a fire. Details of the attack’s consequences are still being ascertained. The regional authorities are urging citizens not to ignore air-raid sirens and to remain in air-raid shelters until the alert has ended. Earlier on Sunday, Kiper said that eight people were injured in the massive combined overnight attack on Odesa. Healthcare experts have assessed the condition of seven of the injured as moderately serious, he said, adding that most of them suffered shrapnel wounds. Kipper said that Russian forces used several dozen missiles and drones in the attack. Damage was caused to infrastructure and residential buildings. He said: "Odesa has suffered serious damage. Residential buildings have been damaged and partially destroyed in two districts of the city. Cars have also been destroyed or damaged in fires." Damage to energy infrastructure led to power cuts in parts of Odesa and the region. Water supplies and mobile communications have been cut off in parts of the city. All relevant services are working to deal with the aftermath of the attack. Bulgarians in the Odesa region number more than 150,000 and were the third largest population group in Ukraine in 2001, according to the official census. About 50,000 - 60,000 Bulgarians live in the city of Odesa itself. The largest compact Bulgarian population is concentrated in the Bolhrad, Izmail and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi districts. World Nikolay Zabov BTA correspondent Svetlana Dragneva