Several Bulgarians living in Sofia gathered outside the EU building to demonstrate against the government’s decision to block four Russian TV networks.
The Bulgarian government allegedly blocked the Russian channels for spreading misleading information about the continuing conflict and endorsing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Various nationalists from Bulgaria who disagree with the government’s decision to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression attended the rally held in Sofia.
Dmytro Keluba, the foreign minister of Ukraine, made a statement to the German newspaper Die Welt in which he mentioned that Kiril Petkov, the leader of Bulgaria, had provided Ukraine with weapons and ammunition. Keluba praised Petkov’s actions and referred to them as the right choice for preserving peace and advancing democracy.
Russian military aggression in Ukraine, recommendations from Bulgaria’s foreign ministry regarding Russian propaganda and misinformation, and the spreading violence and hatred were among the reasons CEM gave for banning the broadcasters.
The slogan “For the protection of the Constitution and the right to information” was chanted by the protesters as they voiced their opposition to the government’s decision.
The residents of Bulgaria argue that Russia is an ally of their country. They encouraged the government to stop helping Ukraine since doing so could lead to a conflict between Russia and Bulgaria.
Additionally, they disapproved of NATO’s presence there and denounced the west for arming Ukraine. The protesters claim that by giving Ukraine military help and other supplies, the US and the west are supporting Ukraine in waging war.
Bulgarian residents also staged a protest against the Eurozone membership vote a few months earlier. According to the Bulgarian people, changing the Bulgarian Lewa into euros will have a significant negative impact on the country’s economy. On that same day, demonstrators in Sofia also flung rotten eggs at the EU building.