# Russia-Bulgaria diplomatic relations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russia-bulgaria-diplomatic-relations > Updated: 2026-08-12T02:57:55.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2. Russia has observed a shift in Bulgarian foreign policy following the ascent of the government led by Rumen Radev. Russian officials noted that Sofia’s rhetoric regarding the Ukraine crisis has become “more restrained” and has acquired “rational elements,” particularly as Bulgaria calls for the European Union to reconsider its course and emphasizes the need for diplomatic solutions. Despite this perceived moderation in tone, diplomatic relations remain largely frozen. The Russian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, stated that while domestic rhetoric has become more moderate, the Bulgarian government has not taken concrete steps to alter its international alignment with the EU and NATO. This stalemate has impacted economic and energy cooperation, specifically concerning the Lukoil refinery in Burgas, which relies on Russian oil. Russian diplomacy suggested that Bulgaria may need to seek further EU derogations to ensure the plant’s continued operation, though officials remain skeptical of a rapid thaw in relations due to Bulgaria’s political dependence on Brussels. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Russia calls for restored diplomatic dialogue with Bulgaria Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova has called for restored diplomatic ties with Bulgaria, warning that political stagnation is freezing economic and energy cooperation, specifically regarding the Lukoil-Ne 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-calls-for-restored-diplomatic-dialogue-with-bulgaria ### 2026-08-09: Russia praises Bulgaria's restrained rhetoric under Radev government Russia's Foreign Ministry praised the Bulgarian government, led by Rumen Radev, for its more 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-praises-bulgarias-restrained-foreign-policy-rhetoric --- Cite as: Russia-Bulgaria diplomatic relations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russia-bulgaria-diplomatic-relations