Rumen Radev / Photo: BTA
“We are not part of a coalition that insists on continuing financial and military aid to Ukraine,” Radev said, emphasizing that the conflict must be resolved through diplomatic means.
According to the Bulgarian prime minister, further escalation of military support will not lead to a resolution of the crisis, Meduza reports, citing Bloomberg. “The solution to this conflict lies not in prolonging it through military means, but in a strong diplomatic mission that will put an end to the escalation,” he noted.
Radev has previously spoken out repeatedly against expanding military and financial aid to Kyiv, arguing for a more pragmatic approach to Bulgaria’s foreign policy and the preservation of channels of dialogue with Russia.
Bulgarian representatives did not participate in the meeting of the leaders of the “coalition of the willing” held on July 13 in Paris. However, Sofia had previously participated in events of this kind.
The “coalition of the willing” was formed in the spring of 2025 at the initiative of the United Kingdom and France. It includes about 30 countries, including European Union member states, the United States, Australia, and Japan. Coalition members are discussing long-term support for Ukraine and possible mechanisms for ensuring the country’s security.
Sofia’s decision was yet another sign of divisions within Europe regarding the future strategy for supporting Kyiv. While most EU countries advocate continuing aid to Ukraine, some nations insist on a swift transition to a diplomatic settlement.
