site.btaBulgarian Parliament Leader Meets with Ukrainian Counterpart, Argues in Favour of Stepping Up International Pressure on Aggressor

Meeting with Ukrainian counterpart Ruslan Stefanchuk in Vienna on Monday, Bulgarian Parliament leader Rosen Zhelyazkov argued in favour of stepping up international pressure on the aggressor to bring them back to full compliance with their international obligations. The Bulgarian Parliament Chair took part in the 9th Meeting of Presidents of Parliaments of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR).

Zhelyazkov expressed concern over the increased attacks by Russia on the Odessa region in recent days and extended condolences to the victim’s relatives. He also hoped for a speedy recovery of the injured in the Russian air raids. "Our concern is all the more great because this is one of the areas where the largest Bulgarian diaspora lives," Zhelyazkov noted.

He also said: "Bulgaria strongly condemns the relentless Russian missile and drone terror unleashed against the civilian population of Ukraine and its critical civilian infrastructure. Ukraine is paying a painfully high price in human lives to defend the values of freedom and democracy in Europe. Russia must be held fully accountable for all its crimes in Ukraine. [...] Pressure on Russia to return to full compliance with its international obligations must be reinforced and built upon by legitimate means, and the fight against impunity must continue. Sanctions remain one of the most powerful tools to increase pressure on Russia in response to its illegal and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. Our common goal remains the same: to impede Moscow's ability to finance its war of aggression."

Zhelyazkov said that Bulgaria supports all 13 EU sanctions packages imposed on Russia so far. "We believe that the EU should maintain its united and strong response in solidarity with Ukraine, including with additional EU restrictive measures against Moscow," he added.

"Bulgaria has consistently supported Ukraine in all aspects - political, financial, military, humanitarian, and diplomatic - and has clearly indicated its will to continue to do so for as long as necessary," Zhelyazkov said. "The most telling evidence are the seven decisions adopted by the principal organ of Bulgarian democracy, the National Assembly," he noted. The Parliament Chair added that they indicate Bulgaria’s readiness to assist Ukraine and its people not only during the military actions but also during the recovery of the economy, infrastructure, and energy sectors, as well as on its path towards EU accession.

Zhelyazkov also conveyed his concern that the provisions of the Law on National Minorities of Ukraine adopted in December 2023 do not provide for state funding for learning the national minority's language. "Bulgarians in the Odesa region number more than 150,000 people and are the third largest community according to the official 2001 census in Ukraine," he said. Zhelyazkov added that it is important to preserve the principle of equality for national minorities. "I believe that with joint efforts, understanding, and goodwill, the optimal balance can be found, and the right of Bulgarians in Ukraine to learn their mother tongue and to preserve their way of life, culture, and history will be guaranteed," the National Assembly Chair said.