site.btaPresident Radev: Bulgaria Urges for, Will Back Far More Active European Efforts for Diplomatic Resolution of Ukraine Conflict

"We insist on, and we will support far more active European efforts in search of diplomatic means and a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine by the tools of diplomacy and a peaceful approach," Bulgarian President Rumen Radev said here on Thursday.

At a joint news briefing with visiting Croatian President Zoran Milanovic, Radev answered a question from a Croatian journalist about Bulgaria's position on the war in Ukraine and whether the various political moods in this country can shift this position.

According to the head of State, "this point in time will inevitably come." "From the very first day of the Russian aggression in Ukraine, Bulgaria strongly condemned that aggression and continues to do so," Radev said.

"The conflict is undeniably flaring up, drawing ever more weapons and people, the risks are growing, and so are the voices about victory at any cost on both sides," the President said, adding that a military solution to the conflict has not been reached for more than a year now.

"It is fact that the Bulgarian people is grateful for the 150,000 Russian soldiers killed in the [1877-1878] Russo-Turkish War of Liberation. This is a contribution to our people which we respect and will never forget, but this is unrelated to Russia's aggression against Ukraine," the head of State explained, adding that Bulgaria has a clear position.

"The war in Ukraine has shown the need to broaden our cooperation and unity so as to achieve greater security and stability in the region," Radev argued. He noted that back when the conflict in Ukraine started, both Bulgaria and Croatia condemned Russia's aggression. Today we reconfirmed our support for Ukraine in the struggle for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," he added. 

In his words, "every day of this conflict is exhausting our economies and our social systems. We must pool our efforts and seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict," Radev said.