Prime Minister Rumen Radev has outlined Bulgaria’s stance on several key foreign and energy policy issues during a parliamentary question-and-answer session, including sanctions on Russia, cooperation with Ukraine, and the future of nuclear energy projects.
Radev confirmed that Bulgaria is prepared to oppose the European Union’s proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia if it includes Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and Vagit Alekperov, a senior figure linked to Lukoil’s operations in Bulgaria. He said the decision is driven by the need to protect national energy interests, while emphasizing that his position is not focused on individuals but on broader strategic implications.
“I am not interested in the individual himself, but Patriarch Kirill is the head of the Russian Orthodox Church,” Radev noted during the session, responding to questions regarding possible restrictive measures.
The prime minister also addressed Bulgaria’s existing agreement with Ukraine, stating that it will remain in force. According to him, international agreements must be respected, and there is no intention to revoke the document signed by the caretaker government led by Andrey Gyurov.
In addition, Radev revealed that he had proposed a joint initiative to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky involving the construction of the Belene nuclear power plant. The idea envisions a shared project between Bulgaria and Ukraine, potentially financed through EU mechanisms, with electricity supplies to Ukraine routed via Romania.
