Odesa, Ukraine—Amid escalating tensions and renewed air raid alerts, the 19th World Meeting of Bulgarian Media commenced in Odesa. It brought together journalists and media representatives from around the globe in a powerful display of solidarity with Ukraine’s Bulgarian community.
The past 24 hours have seen four instances of drone and missile warnings in the Odesa region, triggered by observed flights originating from Crimea. One notable incident occurred near the village of Zorya, home to a significant population of Bessarabian Bulgarians.
The ongoing threat of air attacks has created a backdrop of anxiety and disruption for local residents and visiting dignitaries alike. The air raid alerts reached a poignant climax last night when an alarm forced the temporary evacuation of the Odesa Opera House.
Both the audience and musicians sought refuge in a bomb shelter, underscoring the pervasive sense of insecurity that looms over the city. The sheltering experience lasted about half an hour, highlighting the resilience and composure of those involved.
Despite these challenges, the 19th World Meeting of Bulgarian Media, organized by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA), proceeded as planned. The event, which began yesterday, has drawn 23 journalists from 18 Bulgarian-language media outlets worldwide to Odesa.
Their presence serves as a symbolic gesture of empathy and support for the approximately 150,000 Bulgarians living in the region, who continue to face persistent hardships, including power shortages and the constant threat of air raids.
Kiril Valchev, General Director of BTA, emphasized the broader impact of the gathering beyond the scope of journalism. “While journalists faced these alarming incidents, our primary concern remains the well-being of our compatriots enduring these hardships,” remarked Valchev.
He highlighted the meeting’s role as a gesture of solidarity, reflecting the strong familial, cultural, and linguistic ties that bind Bulgarians worldwide.
The onset of the media gathering was punctuated by frequent power outages, which have become a routine inconvenience for Odesa’s residents. Backup generators hummed throughout the city, providing a semblance of normalcy amidst the disruptions.
Serhiy Cherevaty, Director General of Ukrinform, lauded the assembly of Bulgarian media in Ukraine as a potent demonstration of solidarity and friendship. “This gathering affirms the profound significance of our shared values and mutual support in these challenging times,” he stated.
Pavel Vugelman, First Deputy Mayor of Odesa, underscored the pivotal role of the Bulgarian community in the city. He equated an attack on Odesa to an attack on a Bulgarian city, given the substantial Bulgarian population residing there. His remarks reinforced the deep-seated connections between the two nations.
Svetoslav Ivanov, Consul General of Bulgaria in Odesa, recalled how Bulgarian media played a crucial role in the evacuation of nearly 500 Bulgarians during the initial days of the conflict. He reiterated Bulgaria’s condemnation of the aggression and steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The meeting also saw participation from Bulgaria’s Vice President Iliyana Yotova, who highlighted the strong ties that unite Bulgarians worldwide. Her presence added a layer of official recognition and support to the event, further emphasizing the close-knit relations between the Bulgarian diaspora and their homeland.
As the 19th World Meeting of Bulgarian Media continues amidst the backdrop of air raid alerts and power disruptions, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of solidarity and resilience shared by the Bulgarian community in Ukraine and beyond.
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