Bulgaria warns of Ukraine war escalation and defends national interests

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has warned that attempting to resolve the war in Ukraine through military means could lead to a dangerous escalation. Radev called for a ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table, stating that “diplomacy is the only sustainable and reliable solution to the conflict.”

Radev expressed concern regarding the provision of long-range weapons to Ukraine, questioning whether Western nations would remain bystanders if such weapons are used to strike deep into Russian territory. He cautioned that pursuing a conventional military victory against a nuclear power increases the risk of uncontrolled tension with Moscow.

Regarding recent tensions between Germany and Russia, Radev noted that Bulgaria would carefully assess new sanctions proposed by Germany following an alleged drone attack near Leipzig Airport. While affirming Bulgaria’s support for common EU positions, Radev emphasized the importance of defending national interests, citing Greece’s approach to sanctions as a precedent for member states to protect their own objectives within the European Union.