'Don't care about supporting Russia': Bulgarian PM hits back against pro-Moscow label

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has reacted to accusations that he is pro-Russian, insisting he is only being labeled this way because his approach to a Ukraine-Russia peace deal is not mainstream. Since assuming office this summer, Radev has emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement with Moscow to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Earlier this year, there were discussions about re-engagement with Russia over Ukraine, including the potential appointment of an EU envoy for direct talks. However, the majority of the European Union warned that Russian diplomatic messaging shows no genuine desire for peace, and the idea appears to have moved back to the political fringes.

Radev told Euronews' Defence and Space summit that it is "typical and very sad" that diverging from the political mainstream leads to being labeled pro-Russian. He stated that he "doesn't care" about supporting Russia but values a "realistic approach" and finding the path to peace as soon as possible, as the war is draining Bulgaria's social and economic systems every day.

Radev called for Europe to rebalance its military, economic, and diplomatic instruments, but he believes the current approach is too focused on weapons and money. He emphasized that the power of diplomacy has not yet been exhausted, stating that the main priority should be speaking and working for peace.

A recent meeting between German Foreign Minister Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in New York ended in bitter recriminations, and the White House's attempts to achieve a temporary ceasefire have all failed.