MFA: Bulgaria reiterates support for independence of Ukraine in its internationally recognised borders
Bulgaria reiterates its unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, the Foreign Ministry in Sofia said in a February 24 statement marking three years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“As a member of the European Union and a Nato ally, Bulgaria reaffirms its commitment to supporting Ukraine,” the statement said.
It said that three years ago, Russia launched an unprovoked and unjustified full-scale war against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian people have endured more than 1000 days of suffering and destruction defending themselves against Russian aggression, the Foreign Ministry said.
The scale of the destruction caused by Russia is enormous and unacceptable in the 21st century, the ministry said.
“In flagrant violation of key principles of international law, Russia has resorted to deliberate military action against critical civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, such as nuclear power plants and dams, with complete disregard for the potential severe consequences for the environment and the civilian population far beyond the front lines.”
The human cost of the war has been staggering, the statement said.
The statement said that tens of thousands of civilians, including children, have been killed or injured. Millions have been forced from their homes. Thousands of innocent people have been victims of forcible displacement, unlawful abductions, and deportations.
“We call on Russia to fully engage in diplomatic efforts to end this war and lay the foundations for a lasting and just peace, in accordance with the UN Charter and the principles of international law.”
There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine and the EU, the Foreign Ministry said.
Ukraine must be given reliable and stable security guarantees as an indispensable condition for a sustainable peace, it said.
“Ukraine’s courage must prevail in this war. The Ukrainian people must be given the opportunity to rebuild a strong, resilient and democratic state,” the statement said.
Bulgarian support for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine was reaffirmed today by Prime Minister Rossen Zhelyazkov, who participated in the summit initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the occasion of the third anniversary of the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the government information service said on February 24.
Zhelyazkov emphasized that since the very beginning of the war, Bulgaria has been providing military, financial, political and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv, as part of international support efforts.
“As a member of the European Union and Nato, we confirm our commitment to further support for Ukraine,” Zhelyazkov said, saying that the future of Kyiv lies in the European family and the transatlantic community.
Zhelyazkov was categorical that there should be no peace talks in Ukraine without Ukraine and the EU.
Rossen Zhelyazkov. Photo: government.bg
He said that Kyiv must be given reliable and stable security guarantees, which are indispensable for any comprehensive, just and lasting peace on the European continent.
“We must continue our comprehensive support for Ukraine. ‘Achieving peace through building strength’ is the strategy for placing Ukraine in the strongest possible position before peace negotiations,” Zhelyazkov said.
He emphasised the shocking human cost of the war and defined Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as a direct encroachment on peace and stability in Europe and the world, on the UN Charter and the principles of international law.
Former prime minister Boiko Borissov, leader of GERB-UDF – the majority partner in the coalition government and Parliament’s largest group – said in post on Facebook on February 24 that the full-scale military aggression launched on Ukraine by Russia three years ago was a war that has brought thousands of victims, millions of displaced people and extensive destruction.
In addition to the human tragedy, the war has also violated the basic principles of international law and continues to threaten security in Europe, Borissov said.
He said that the Ukrainian people have shown exceptional resilience and determination in protecting their independence.
“Support for Ukraine is not only a matter of solidarity, but also of upholding the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of each country to determine its own future,” Borissov said.
“Bulgaria remains committed to supporting Ukraine and its people. Peace must be lasting, fair and based on international law,” he said.
Former prime minister Nikolai Denkov, co-leader of Parliament’s second-largest group, We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, said on Facebook that at least one million people, including innocent civilians, women and children, have been killed or maimed, since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago.
“The imperial ambitions of a dictator awakened the darkness – the ghosts of fascism crawled into Europe again and threatened the entire continent,” Denkov said.
“And all European countries have learned a painful lesson: if we want to be free and independent, we must be united, strong and adamant in our readiness to protect democracy and our territory,” he said.
Including exposing national traitors working for foreign interests, Denkov said.
“Let’s counter their propaganda. Let us strengthen our national and European security and defence capabilities.
“Let us support Ukraine in its battle for a fair and lasting peace. Because the future of Europe and European Bulgaria depend on this peace.”
Nikolai Denkov during a visit to Ukraine while prime minister.
On February 24 at 6pm, a rally entitled “Peace for Europe and the World Through Ukraine’s Victory!” will be held in Bulgaria’s capital city Sofia, with the gathering point outside the Presidency building. The rally has been called by Ukrainian organisations.
At 7.30pm, there will be a march from the Presidency to the House of Europe in Rakovski Street, which houses the representative offices of the European Commission and European Parliament. The march is titled “Together with Europe, Together with Ukraine”.
(Photo, of the Ukrainian flag flying outside the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry: mfa.bg)
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