Rumen Radev warns of Europe's long-term survival against Russia

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has stated that while Europe can exist without Russia, it will struggle to survive long-term if it remains in opposition to the country. Speaking during parliamentary control, Radev addressed a recent drone attack in Leipzig, Germany, characterizing it as a reckless Russian hybrid attack. He questioned whether the provision of long-range weapons to strike deep into Russian territory might lead to such retaliatory actions.

In response, presidential candidate Andrey Gyurov criticized Radev’s stance as alarming. Gyurov argued that Russia, not Europe, chose confrontation by violating international law during the invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that Bulgaria must remain a predictable and consistent partner within the EU and NATO, advocating for continued support of EU sanctions to ensure that aggression carries a cost and to maintain European unity against hybrid threats.