Bulgarian premier Rumen Radev rejects pro-Russia label, urges diplomatic push for Ukraine peace

At a defence summit, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev pushed back against claims that he supports Russia, describing the label as a shortcut for dissenting views. He explained that his advocacy for direct negotiations with Moscow stems from a desire to find a swift, realistic resolution to the Ukraine invasion, which he says strains societies daily. Radev criticised the European Union’s strategy as overly reliant on military aid and financial sanctions, calling for a better balance of diplomatic, economic and security measures.

He noted that recent diplomatic attempts, such as a meeting between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in New York, have stalled. The premier emphasized that diplomacy remains under-used and should be the priority for achieving peace.