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.

Bulgaria has given its support for the European Union’s new sanctions package against Russia after several of Sofia’s objections were addressed during negotiations. Foreign…

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that Bulgaria has no place in the “Coalition of the Willing,” arguing that the country should not join a format whose members support…

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…