Sofia, Bulgaria – Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has firmly reiterated his opposition to deploying Bulgarian troops to Ukraine, emphasizing his stance as the country’s Supreme Commander-in-Chief.
Speaking at a conference marking the 35th anniversary of the Confederation of Bulgarian Trade Unions and Employers, Radev underscored his long-standing position that Bulgaria must avoid military involvement in the war-torn country.
He urged both the Bulgarian government and the National Assembly to take a definitive stand against any potential deployment.
Radev’s remarks come in response to rising international scrutiny, particularly from the United States, regarding Bulgaria’s potential role in providing security guarantees for Ukraine.
The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, through NATO channels, has posed a series of six questions to the Bulgarian authorities, inquiring about Bulgaria’s readiness to participate in peacekeeping efforts and contribute troops.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that any decision to send troops abroad falls under the sole jurisdiction of the National Assembly.
The ministry also reaffirmed Bulgaria’s commitment to supporting Ukraine through diplomatic and security measures but stopped short of endorsing troop deployment.
The government emphasized that any discussions on Ukraine’s future must include Ukrainian leadership as a key decision-maker.
European Divide on Troop Deployment
The NATO inquiries directed at Bulgaria are part of a broader effort by the U.S. and its allies to assess European commitment to security efforts in Ukraine.
Similar questions have been posed to multiple European capitals amid growing concerns over the stability of the region and the need for potential peacekeeping forces.
A recent summit in Paris, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, highlighted stark divisions among European nations on the issue.
While the UK and Sweden have not ruled out sending troops under specific conditions, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary have firmly opposed the idea.
Germany remains divided, with Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s administration rejecting the prospect of troop deployment while the opposition Christian Democratic Union has advocated for it.
Other nations, such as Denmark, Spain, and the Netherlands, have expressed hesitation, reflecting a broader uncertainty in European political circles.
The summit itself faced criticism for excluding key regional players such as the Czech Republic and Romania, despite their geographical proximity to Ukraine.
Following the Paris discussions, Macron briefed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump, while U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg engaged with European leaders to further assess their positions on Ukraine’s security situation.
Bulgaria’s Firm Stance Amid Pressures
President Radev has consistently voiced concerns over Bulgaria’s direct involvement in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the increasing instability of the global security landscape.
His latest statements reinforce his position that Bulgaria should focus on diplomatic and defensive support rather than military engagement.
With NATO intensifying its efforts to rally European nations around Ukraine’s security, Bulgaria finds itself at a crossroads, balancing its alliance commitments with its national interests.
For now, Radev’s stance remains firm: Bulgarian troops will not be deployed to Ukraine, and he expects the National Assembly to uphold this position unequivocally.
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