Russia calls for restored diplomatic dialogue with Bulgaria

The Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, has called for the restoration of normal diplomatic dialogue between Moscow and Sofia, noting that current communications are almost entirely frozen. While Mitrofanova observed more moderate rhetoric within Bulgaria's domestic political scene, she stated that the government has yet to take concrete steps toward changing its international course, which remains strictly aligned with EU and NATO commitments.

This diplomatic stalemate has led to stagnation in economic and energy cooperation. A critical point of concern is the Lukoil refinery in Burgas; Mitrofanova emphasized that the facility relies on Russian oil to function. To avoid severe economic consequences and ensure the plant's continued operation, she suggested that Bulgaria may need to seek further derogations from the European Union.

Russian diplomacy expressed skepticism regarding a rapid thaw in relations, citing Bulgaria's high level of political dependence on decisions made in Brussels as a primary barrier to normalized cooperation.