Bulgarian President Rumen Radev criticised for mixed foreign policy signals

President Rumen Radev and Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced an end to military assistance for Ukraine, contradicting earlier statements that aid had been unconditional. The move has sparked criticism from domestic and foreign observers, who note that Bulgaria’s foreign policy is sending contradictory messages to both allies and adversaries amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, the ongoing Russia‑Ukraine war, and NATO’s re‑orientation.

Radev also rejected a invitation to join the so‑called “Coalition of the Willing” in Paris and participated in a declaration supporting Ukraine in Kyiv together with Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova. The foreign minister asserted that Bulgaria operates fully within the EU and NATO framework, a claim challenged by the inconsistencies in recent diplomatic actions. Russian Patriarch Kirill, businessman Vagit Alekperov and billionaire Iskander Makhmudov were publicly rebuked for their reactions to EU sanctions, further highlighting the domestic debate over Bulgaria’s strategic orientation.