Rumen Radev

A Bulgarian drone crashed, raising questions about air defenses and foreign policy.

A Ukrainian drone accidentally crossed into Bulgarian airspace and exploded near a critical gas pipeline Saturday, causing no casualties or damage, amid recurring incidents of military aircraft straying into NATO territory since Russia's Ukraine invasion.

Seven people died and many were injured as Ukraine and Russia exchanged strikes overnight.

Russia criticizes NATO amid rising Black Sea tensions and drone incidents.

Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rumen Radev claimed the country was leaving the pro-Ukraine coalition but subsequently contradicted himself, exemplifying a pattern where pro-Kremlin rhetoric masks continued EU and NATO compliance while protecting lucrative Russian business interests.

Bulgaria's foreign policy balancing act raises concerns over European unity

EU leaders on the beach, Putin blocked by Ukrainian drones

A Palestinian envoy held official talks in Bulgaria to discuss developments in Palestine and bilateral ties.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic refused to sign a joint declaration condemning Russian military aggression at a Kiev summit, maintaining Serbia's distinctive position as the region's sole capital avoiding Western anti-Russia sanctions while balancing EU membership aspirations with energy dependence on Moscow.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev withdrew from the Coalition of the Willing, citing opposition to military and financial support for Ukraine, marking Sofia's shift toward a Russia-friendly foreign policy under his leadership.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev visits Paris at President Emmanuel Macron's invitation for France's national holiday.

Bulgaria will not veto the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia, though it opposes sanctioning Patriarch Kirill, citing concerns about propaganda and the Orthodox Church's historical significance to Bulgarian independence.

Turkish President Erdogan conducted intensive bilateral meetings with world leaders including Trump, Macron, and others during NATO's 36th summit in Ankara, discussing defense cooperation, regional conflicts, and F-35 aircraft deliveries.

Southern European countries including Greece, Cyprus, and Malta are blocking or significantly weakening the EU's proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, demanding softer measures on oil price caps and Russian fish imports to protect their shipping and fishing industries.

Italy and Bulgaria raised concerns over an EU proposal to sanction Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, a Putin ally supporting Ukraine's invasion, citing religious sensitivities and national interests amid broader 21st sanctions package discussions.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced reservations on the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package, citing national interests regarding energy security and economic risks, while reaffirming NATO and EU alignment and proposing joint nuclear cooperation with Ukraine.

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

Russian ballistic missiles killed at least three people, including a child, in overnight attacks near Kyiv, injuring three others, as Ukraine faces depleted Western-donated interceptor supplies amid intensifying strikes and stalled US military aid negotiations.

Ukraine denied intentionally targeting Bulgaria after a drone carrying significant explosives exploded 1,000 metres from the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline near the Romanian border, prompting Kyiv to promise an investigation into the NATO airspace incident.

A drone near Kardam has burned the opposition's enthusiasm in a geopolitical own goal.

Gallup reports the ruling party retains strong support amidst foreign policy divisions among voters.

US aircraft at Bezmer air base puts Bulgaria's PM in a difficult foreign policy position.

US refueling aircraft arrive at a Bulgarian air base to support Middle East operations.

Radev under surveillance in Brussels, showed serious unkindness towards Paris

Bulgarian Government Concerned About Situation in Gaza, West Bank, Continues to Support Ceasefire Efforts, PM Rumen Radev Says

Bulgaria's Foreign Minister commits to a stronger role in the Coalition of the Willing, contradicting the Prime Minister's stance.

Bulgaria's prime minister says his country does not belong in the Coalition of the Willing supporting Ukraine.

Bulgaria endorsed the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia, supporting pressure tactics to force Moscow into Ukraine peace negotiations while maintaining objections to sanctioning Patriarch Kirill, businessman Alekperov, and metro spare parts restrictions.

At NATO, Ukraine Pushes for More Anti-Ballistic Missiles While Committing to Domestic Production

Zelensky met with Trump, EU leaders, and a US congressional delegation to discuss air defense and sanctions.

Bulgaria threatened to block the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia unless Patriarch Kirill and Lukoil co-founder Alekperov were removed, citing protection of Sofia's energy interests amid broader EU efforts targeting Russian military personnel and war logistics.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev pledged to defend national interests while raising reservations over the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package, citing concerns about energy security and potential arbitration disputes involving Russian operations in Bulgaria.

Ireland takes over the EU Council presidency, facing key tasks including new Russia sanctions and EU enlargement.

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.

Ukraine denied intentionally targeting Bulgaria after a drone carrying significant explosives exploded near a strategic gas pipeline, prompting Kyiv to launch an inquiry while Bulgaria summoned Ukraine's ambassador amid escalating NATO airspace violations.

A poll shows strong support for the Radev government despite foreign policy concerns.

Bulgaria's foreign policy balancing act raises concerns over European unity.

Opposition forces criticize the Radev cabinet's foreign policy on Iran and demand a security council meeting.

Bulgaria's foreign minister clarified that Crimea is legally Ukrainian despite Russian control, dismissed binding obligations from a Kyiv meeting, and explained Bulgaria's EU-NATO alignment while pursuing independent diplomacy on Ukraine support and sanctions.

EU Delays 21st Sanctions Package Against Russia as Member States Fail to Reach Consensus

Between NATO Protection and Kremlin Accommodation: Bulgaria’s Radev Doctrine

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev halted weapons shipments to Ukraine after exhausting stockpiles through 13 aid packages, shifting support to equipment repair services and exposing Europe's defense manufacturing strain during ongoing conflict.

EU ambassadors reconvened in Brussels to resolve disagreements on the twenty-first Russia sanctions package, primarily over freezing the oil price cap at USD 44 per barrel to prevent Kremlin revenue increases, opposed by Cyprus, Malta, and Greece protecting shipping interests.

Bulgaria will not veto the EU's 21st sanctions package against Russia despite objections to sanctioning Patriarch Kirill, oligarch Alekperov, and measures affecting its metro system operations.

Italy and Bulgaria blocked EU sanctions on Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, citing religious concerns influenced by Vatican warnings, despite evidence that Kirill actively promotes Russia's war ideology and serves as a Kremlin propaganda instrument, weakening European sanctions cohesion.

Italy opposed EU sanctions against Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church, citing Vatican concerns about restricting a Christian religious leader, as Bulgaria similarly resisted the measure proposed by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced Friday that Sofia will lodge reservations on the EU's 21st Russia sanctions package, citing energy security concerns and potential arbitration costs involving Russian oil company Lukoil, while maintaining commitments to Western allies.

EU Summit: Who is really talking to Russia?