Bulgarian PM Radev holds talks with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at Nato Summit
Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the Nato Summit in Ankara on July 8, according to a brief statement by the Bulgarian government information service.
The statement said that Radev and Zelenskyy discussed cooperation between Bulgaria and Ukraine in the energy sector and the supply of energy resources, including natural gas.
Energy diversification and the actions taken to build new energy corridors to Europe were also among the highlights of the meeting.
A statement by the Ukrainian President’s office said that the leaders discussed the development of bilateral cooperation and strengthening relations between Ukraine and Bulgaria.
Special attention is paid to energy issues, the Ukrainian statement said.
Zelenskyy said that Europe’s dependence on Russian energy resources is decreasing, and it is important that partners have alternatives.
Energy cooperation between Ukraine and Bulgaria has great potential, and it must be realised, the statement said. The countries have a common interest in developing supplies of liquefied natural gas.
The statement said that Zelenskyy and Radev “agreed on clear next steps”.
Radev also spoke about diplomatic contacts and Bulgaria’s steps for security in the Black Sea. The leaders agreed that the teams will be in touch.
Zelenskyy invited Radev to visit Ukraine, the Ukrainian President’s office said.
Earlier, in doorstep comments to reporters on July 8, Radev said that Bulgaria would “financially support Ukraine within our capabilities without affecting social spending and taking into account the large deficit that previous administrations bequeathed to us”.
Radev, when in office as Bulgaria’s president, opposed Bulgaria supplying weaponry to Ukraine and in May 2026, on taking office as head of government, said that Bulgaria would no longer do so. This does not bar Bulgarian arms sales to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy, visiting Sofia in July 2023, handed then-president Radev a severe dressing-down on Radev’s stance on Russia’s war on Ukraine.
(Photo: government.bg)
