Bulgarian President Rumen Radev stated that Ukraine insisted on prolonging the russo-Ukrainian war, as it did not prioritise negotiations between Kyiv and moscow and did not seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
This was reported by Radio Svoboda Europe.
The Bulgarian President noted that the war in Ukraine had economic, social, and political dimensions and posed a threat to all of Europe. However, Radev placed the blame for these threats on the Ukrainians.
"I want to make it clear that Ukraine insists on fighting this war. But it should also be clear that the bill is paid by the whole of Europe," he said.
The Ukrainian embassy in Sofia refuted Radev's words. Diplomats stressed that Ukraine was seeking peace and making every effort to achieve it.
"Accusing Ukraine, which has been subject to a treacherous attack by its northern neighbour, of the ongoing war is one of the most common theses in support of russian propaganda and hybrid warfare in Europe," the statement read.
The diplomatic mission claimed that arms supplies to Ukraine reduced the number of victims and destruction, allowing the displacement of enemy russian troops. Besides, the embassy pointed out that providing security guarantees to Ukraine would ensure security for all of Europe, including Bulgaria.
Background. We remind you that Bulgaria is currently emerging from a political crisis that has led to five elections in two years. The coalition government wants to change the course set by President Radev. He has repeatedly spoken out against military support for Ukraine, for which he has been called a "servant of russia" and a "putin's agent".
On the eve, Bulgaria allocated a new package of military aid to Kyiv. Its contents were not disclosed, but the Council of Ministers noted that "the approved list can be compared in volume with the aid of the first package". It included firearms and ammunition.