Skip to content
Edit post

Zelensky argues with Bulgarian president over his opposition to arming Ukraine

by Dinara Khalilova July 6, 2023 10:52 PM 2 min read
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he addresses media representatives during a joint news conference alongside Bulgaria's Prime Minister in Sofia on July 6, 2023. (NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV/AFP via Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

During his July 6 visit to Sofia, President Volodymyr Zelensky argued with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev over his negative stance on arming Ukraine in a televised meeting cited by Politico.

At the meeting, Radev claimed "there was no military solution" to Russia's war in Ukraine and that "more and more weapons will not solve it." Zelensky replied by asking Radev what he would do if faced with Moscow's invasion.

"You would say: Putin, please grab Bulgarian territory? No, you, as a real president, I am sure you would not allow a compromise with your independence," said Zelensky. "It is your right not to support aid to Ukraine. But I would really like you to understand me correctly."

Radev has consistently opposed providing Ukraine with large-scale defense assistance. He has been accused of having a pro-Moscow stance and once called Crimea "Russian" during a 2021 presidential debate.

According to Politico, Zelensky also criticized the Bulgarian president for describing Russia's all-out war against Ukraine as "a conflict." He dismissed Radev's suggestions for a "diplomatic fix," arguing that military aid to Kyiv is a better option than letting "the war come to you."

"Ukraine and NATO should have shared values. It can't be otherwise," Zelensky added, as cited by the media outlet. "You cannot support Russia and support a balancing position because Russia wants to destroy NATO, wants to destroy Europe and the European Union; these are their goals. Do you get me?"

As described by Politico, Radev seemed "flustered" during Zelensky's speech and eventually said he had a proposal but asked TV crews to leave the meeting.

Earlier on July 6, Zelensky arrived in Bulgaria to discuss military support and the NATO summit, among other key topics. The two countries' leaders signed a joint declaration in support of Ukraine's move toward NATO membership.

Unlike Radev, Bulgaria's new pro-European government under Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov openly supports arms supplies to Ukraine. Bulgaria announced its second military aid package for Ukraine on June 27 without specifying its content.

Bulgarian minister: New military aid package for Ukraine ‘taking shape’
Bulgaria has already begun preparing the new package of military aid for Ukraine, Defense Minister Todor Tagarev told Glavcom on July 4.

News Feed

1:48 AM

Russia expands visa-free entry for Georgian citizens.

Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a presidential decree on Oct. 10 expanding visa-free entry for Georgian citizens who are working or studying in Russia, as Moscow continues to cozy relations with Tbilisi amid concerns over the country's democratic backsliding.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.