Rumen Radev

EU Summit: Who is really talking to Russia?

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev threatened to veto updated EU sanctions against Russia, citing economic damage to spare parts supply, fertilizers, and religious concerns regarding a Russian bishop's inclusion on the sanctions list.

Bulgarian PM Radev threatened to veto the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package unless Patriarch Kirill is removed, citing religious concerns and economic impacts, positioning Bulgaria as the latest obstacle to European unity on Moscow policy.

Bulgaria's new government banned direct state arms supplies to Ukraine in June 2026, citing depleted stockpiles, though the private defense industry can still export weapons, raising questions about whether the decision prioritizes domestic pro-Russian sentiment over supporting Kyiv.

Angel Naydenov: There is nothing surprising to me in the position of the Minister of Defense on aid to Ukraine

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met Bulgarian leadership to establish a strategic partnership encompassing trade, defence, semiconductors, and AI, aiming to strengthen India-EU ties amid global geopolitical challenges.

Russia expands military infrastructure near Finland and Norway borders, building new barracks and equipment.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rumen Radev halted state weapons supplies to Ukraine in June, citing socio-economic damage, while the country's defense industry continues supplying ammunition through EU intermediaries, amid broader debate over NATO alliance commitments.

Bulgaria halts new weapons supplies to Ukraine while pledging to increase defence spending to five percent of GDP by 2030, prioritizing national military modernization over direct battlefield support despite NATO pressure.

Balkan bombshell: Germans drag Bulgaria toward war amid vile NATO remarks on Donbass civil conflict

Bulgaria welcomes home Eurovision winner Dara with a grand celebration at Sofia's airport.

Bulgaria wins Eurovision for the first time with Darina Yotova's song Bangaranga.

Bulgaria's election results show Radev's party winning with a "two-chairs" strategy between Europe and Russia.

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1536: Russia’s 9 May parade rolls out without tanks

Greece's Prime Minister congratulates Bulgaria's new Prime Minister Rumen Radev on taking office.

EU sees mixed results after Hungarian and Bulgarian elections bring new leaders to power.

Bulgaria's new government challenges Delyan Peevski's hold on power after elections.

Professor Rumen Milanov defends the Russian Patriarch against sanctions, citing his spiritual role.

EU leaders unanimously approved extending existing Russian sanctions for a full year instead of six months, providing greater predictability for Ukraine while individual sanctions continue six-month reviews, as Brussels prepares a 21st sanctions package targeting Russian banks and defense sectors.

Bulgaria opposes specific elements of the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia targeting energy, finance, and cryptocurrencies, while shifting toward diplomatic resolution over military support for Ukraine amid broader regional tensions.

Tens of thousands join Pride marches in Romania and Bulgaria to call for equality and legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

After Sofia's new course towards Kiev: Moscow pleased but skeptical. Surprised and worried in Brussels

India's Foreign Minister Jaishankar visited Bulgaria to strengthen bilateral ties and India-EU relations, emphasizing economic opportunities, cultural exchanges in yoga and Ayurveda, and defense sector collaboration amid India's 7-8% growth trajectory.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced the country will cease providing military weapons from its army stocks to Ukraine, citing sufficient prior aid and socio-economic damage, while advocating diplomatic solutions despite remaining a NATO and EU member supporting Kyiv since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Bulgaria's government ends direct Ukraine aid, but indirect support is expected to continue.

Bulgaria's Russian-friendly government under Prime Minister Rumen Radev halted military aid to Ukraine, ending thirteen previous aid packages, arguing further arms supplies would only increase casualties without changing battlefield dynamics.

Who are Europe’s newest troublemakers?

Bulgaria welcomes home Eurovision winner Dara with cheering fans and live TV coverage.

Bulgaria's Dara wins Eurovision with her song Bangaranga, overtaking Israel.

A new Euroskeptic premier takes power in Bulgaria, praising Hungary's strongman Viktor Orbán.

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1535: Ukraine and Russia agree to 9-11 May ceasefire and 1,000-for-1,000 POW swap

Bulgaria's new PM Rumen Radev is expected to maintain a balanced foreign policy approach.

Bulgaria's foreign policy will remain unchanged, according to Rumen Radev's party.

Rumen Radev's future foreign policy balances between Russia and Europe.

Ukraine and the United States discuss potential conflict freeze with staged ceasefire proposals while Western allies pledge approximately 4 billion dollars in military aid, though Russia opposes negotiations and Bulgaria threatens EU sanctions veto.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Radev threatened to veto EU sanctions against Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, citing religious solidarity and economic concerns including risks to Lukoil operations and fertilizer imports, arguing such symbolic measures lack meaningful impact.

Bulgaria's new government banned direct state weapons supplies to Ukraine, though commercial exports remain permitted, raising questions about whether the decision targets domestic pro-Russian sentiment rather than meaningfully reducing military aid flow.

Tens of thousands joined Pride marches in Romania and Bulgaria to call for equality and legal recognition of same-sex relationships.

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar urged dialogue and diplomacy over warfare amid global conflicts, emphasizing supply chain resilience, maritime trade protection, and energy security concerns on behalf of the Global South during Bulgaria visit.

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar visited Bulgaria to strengthen bilateral ties and EU cooperation, discussing defense, trade agreements, and investment opportunities across sectors like engineering while promoting cultural exchanges in yoga and Ayurveda.

India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar held talks with Bulgaria's leadership, discussing expanded cooperation in trade, defence, semiconductors, and AI as part of strengthening bilateral ties within the broader India-EU strategic partnership context.

Bulgaria's new defense minister announced the country will halt arms exports to Ukraine and pursue negotiated peace, reversing previous military aid including anti-tank missiles, armored vehicles, and howitzers supplied in 2024-2025.

EU foreign policy chief Kallas stated Russia faces military, economic, and diplomatic disadvantages as war dynamics shift toward Ukraine's favor, while emphasizing Europe will maintain unwavering support for Ukraine and pursue additional sanctions against Moscow.

Bulgaria wins Eurovision for first time; Israel comes second amid boycott

Bulgarians celebrate their first Eurovision win with Dara's "Bangaranga" song.

Bulgaria is unlikely to become Putin’s new proxy within the European Union

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán lost his 16-year rule to Péter Magyar, who promises anti-corruption reforms and reduced Russian dependence, potentially shifting EU policy on Ukraine aid amid broader Eastern European political realignment.

Bulgaria's new PM Rumen Radev is expected to shape the country's foreign policy.

EU-skeptic Rumen Radev became Bulgaria's prime minister after his Progressive Bulgaria party won 44.6% in April elections, promising to reduce prices and reform institutions while facing scrutiny over Russia ties and EU fund access.

Rumen Radev's party confirms Bulgaria's foreign policy will remain unchanged.