‘Don’t care about supporting Russia’: Bulgarian PM hits back against pro-Moscow label
Bulgarian Prime Minister Defends Push for Diplomacy in Ukraine War
Poinews.com – Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has rejected claims that his calls for renewed engagement with Moscow make him pro-Russian, arguing that the label is being used against him because his preferred route toward ending the war in Ukraine falls outside Europe’s dominant political position.
Radev, who took office this summer, has repeatedly urged stronger diplomatic contact with Russia as part of efforts to bring an end to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His stance has drawn criticism from those who view direct political engagement with Moscow as ineffective while the conflict continues.
Speaking at a Defence and Space summit, Radev said the political debate too often turns disagreement over strategy into an accusation of loyalty to Russia.
“It is typical, and it is very sad, that if you divert from the political mainstream, you are labelled immediately as pro-Russian. This is not the reality.”
A debate over Europe’s peace strategy
Earlier this year, European discussions included the possibility of reopening channels with Russia on the war in Ukraine. One proposal involved appointing a European Union representative for direct talks. That approach, however, failed to gain broad support across the bloc.
Many EU governments have warned that Russia’s diplomatic statements have not demonstrated a sincere commitment to peace. As a result, the prospect of a renewed European negotiating initiative has moved away from the centre of political debate.
Radev nevertheless maintains that diplomacy should remain an active part of Europe’s response. He said his position is rooted not in support for Russia, but in concern about the continuing human, social and economic cost of the war.
“I don't care about supporting Russia,” he said, adding that he favours “a realistic approach and finding the road to peace as soon as possible, because this war drains our social and economic systems almost every day.”
His comments highlight a wider tension within Europe: how to sustain support for Ukraine while also considering whether there are realistic opportunities for negotiations. For governments facing pressure over defence spending, energy security, public finances and the broader economic impact of the conflict, the question of when diplomacy can produce results remains politically significant.
Military support and diplomatic pressure
Radev said Europe needs to reassess the balance among its military, economic and diplomatic tools. In his view, the current approach gives too much weight to financial assistance and weapons deliveries, without enough emphasis on creating conditions for peace talks.
“Our main priority should be to speak and to work for peace,” he said.
He argued that diplomatic options have not yet been fully used. The position does not deny the importance of Europe’s security response, but calls for a more even use of the instruments available to European governments and institutions.
“I don't see the right balance yet,” Radev said, describing Brussels’ approach as overly concentrated on “weapons and money.”
Supporters of stronger military backing for Ukraine contend that security assistance is necessary to prevent Russia from imposing terms through force. Radev’s intervention instead centres on the need to keep political communication open, even when negotiations appear difficult or unpopular.
Recent contacts show the obstacles to progress
Events in recent days have illustrated the challenge facing anyone seeking a diplomatic breakthrough. A brief meeting in New York last week between German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ended with sharp mutual criticism rather than signs of progress.
Attempts by the White House to secure a temporary ceasefire have also failed. Those setbacks reinforce the concerns of European leaders who believe that negotiations cannot succeed without evidence that Russia is prepared to make meaningful compromises.
For Radev, however, unsuccessful contacts do not mean diplomacy should be abandoned. His argument is that Europe must continue looking for ways to reduce the conflict’s consequences and identify a path toward a sustainable settlement.
The Bulgarian leader’s remarks place him among the European voices calling for a more visible diplomatic track alongside military and economic measures. Whether that position gains wider support will depend on developments in the war, the willingness of the parties to engage, and whether future contacts can move beyond public recriminations toward substantive negotiations.
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