Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that Sofia defended its national interests during discussions on the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, while the decision not to join the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” was motivated by the need to seek a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the start of the government meeting, Radev said Brussels had taken into account Bulgaria’s objections regarding three individuals included in the sanctions discussions: Russian Patriarch Kirill, Lukoil owner Vagit Alekperov, and Makhmudov, the head of the association supplying spare parts for Sofia’s metro locomotives.
“I want to make it clear that this is not about individuals. It is about Bulgaria defending its national interests in the field of energy and transport, just as other EU member states do,” Radev said.
According to the prime minister, any move that helps reduce tensions contributes to achieving peace, which he said is desired by ordinary people both in the West and the East. He also defended Bulgaria’s decision to stay outside the informal “Coalition of the Willing,” a group of countries discussing long-term support for Ukraine.
Radev explained that the Bulgarian delegation attended the Paris meeting only as a gesture of respect toward French President Emmanuel Macron and France as an ally, but that Sofia does not share the approach of the coalition.
