site.btaBulgarians in Artsyz, Southern Ukraine, Report of Explosions in the Small Hours on Friday

Bulgarians in the Ukrainian town of Artsyz told BTA that there were explosions in the small hours of Friday. "There were several consecutive powerful blasts during the night. Very loud. The biggest bang was around 4.20," Bulgarian Olga Boncheva told BTA.

She said they hadn't had any missile attacks since last spring. "We had relaxed somewhat. Now we are scared again," she added.

 Anna Stoyanova, the deputy chair of the Artsyz society of Bulgarians, said that many people have left town since the war started and Artsyz looks almost deserted. She heard the air raid sirens too. "The local social networks reported that the explosions were near us. We are scared,".  She returned from Bulgaria three weeks ago after visiting her daughter there. Now she is planning to go to Bulgaria again.

Artsyz Municipality was established in 2000 after an administrative reform and includes 12 villages, some of them with ethnic Bulgarians. The total population of the municipality is 35,734, of which 40% are Bulgarians. 

Artyz is in Bolhrad Region, Odessa Oblast.