Europe Asia News

Speaking ahead of the European Council meeting, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said his country supports a swift diplomatic end to the war between Russia and Ukraine. Radev stated that Bulgaria has not severed diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation and that it summoned the Russian ambassador in Sofia a few days earlier to discuss ending attacks on vessels in the Black Sea.

Radev emphasized the importance of maintaining communication channels with Russia and developing them through concrete measures and proposals, noting that ensuring Bulgaria's security remains a current priority. He stated that Bulgaria participates in the Black Sea mine countermeasures group and recalled that it was among the first countries to join the European Sky Shield Initiative announced by Germany in 2022.

Radev stressed that attacks against civilian and commercial vessels in the Black Sea are unacceptable and must stop. He noted that the Black Sea is not only a security zone but also a strategic corridor for transporting food, fertilizers and energy resources. He said millions of people depend on these shipments, particularly in vulnerable regions of Africa and the Middle East.

Radev announced that Bulgaria is proposing a moratorium on all military attacks against civilian and commercial maritime transport in the Black Sea and expects all European Union partners to support the initiative.

Radev said the vessel Chelsea 3 was scheduled to be towed to the Port of Burgas for repairs on the afternoon of October 15, where a detailed examination of drone debris aboard the vessel would be conducted. He explained that the investigation aims to obtain concrete evidence that could help identify who carried out the attack. While acknowledging that some assumptions had been made, he emphasized that accusations against any state must be based on solid and clear evidence.

Radev identified high fuel prices as one of the most significant challenges facing Europe, stating that addressing this issue is important for the competitiveness of the European Union's economy. He said he does not support military attacks on refineries and energy facilities in Ukraine and Russia, noting that such attacks directly affect all countries through energy markets.