An important press conference was held in Kyiv, clarifying Sofia's new stance regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Veliyana Petrova, speaking on July 15, outlined the key principles that will now guide her country. The main thesis was the conviction that peace in Ukraine can be achieved exclusively through diplomatic efforts.
Shift in Vector: From Military Aid to Diplomacy
During her interaction with journalists, Veliyana Petrova addressed the reasons for Bulgaria's withdrawal from the Coalition of the Willing. According to her, real assistance to Ukraine requires engaging several political tracks, one of which was previously used inefficiently. This refers to the diplomatic track. The Minister assured that Sofia will continue to support the EU's sanctions policy but will focus on negotiations and political settlement.
Energy Security as a Priority
Despite refusing military support, Bulgaria does not plan to completely withdraw from assisting the Ukrainian state. On the contrary, the focus is shifting to a critically important area — energy. Petrova emphasized that the country will continue to contribute to ensuring Ukraine's energy security, especially ahead of the winter season.
"Bulgaria is located at the intersection of several critically important routes, which allow us to support Ukraine by supplying gas and other energy sources. This is one of the areas we are actively working on right now," the Minister noted.
New Horizons: Cooperation in the Drone Sector
A separate item on the agenda was the discussion of prospects for drone production. Petrova welcomed the agreement on cooperation between Ukraine and the EU in this field, announced on July 15. She expressed Bulgaria's readiness to develop this direction both within the framework of bilateral relations and within existing European structures.
"This is an area in which we have a very great interest and which we would also like to develop in a bilateral format. But if the corresponding European framework already exists, we can move forward within its limits," the diplomat added.
Political Context and the Prime Minister's Position
The change in course was a result of statements made by Prime Minister Rumen Radev on July 14. He officially confirmed the country's withdrawal from the coalition and the cessation of military and financial aid. Radev argued his decision by stating that the West will not be able to counter Russia with conventional means, and further actions by allies only increase the risk of escalation and a nuclear response from the RF.
Bulgaria's position also played a key role in international processes: thanks to its lobbying, Russian Patriarch Kirill was once again not included in the EU sanctions lists. Thus, Sofia has clearly outlined its strategy: reducing tension through diplomacy and supporting Ukraine through logistics and energy.
