Bulgarian president’s pro-Russia stance sparks protest in Sofia

Protesters calls for President Rumen Radev's resignation over his pro-Russia statements

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Protests erupted in the capital Sofia on Wednesday following Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's pro-Russian statements concerning the Russia-Ukraine war.

Activists gathered in front of the Presidency building to protest and call for Radev's resignation. They expressed their discontent with his perceived lack of support for Ukraine and accused him of mirroring anti-Ukraine Russian rhetoric.

Organized through social media, the protesters shouted slogans against Russia and Radev, arguing that Russia bears responsibility for the war.

On July 14, Radev said it was Ukraine 'that insists on continuing this war" and that all of Europe pays the bill for the war. He further stated that sending weapons to Ukraine would only serve to prolong the conflict.

Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, former prime minister Boyko Borisov, pro-EU and NATO politicians opposed to Radev.

The Ukrainian Embassy in Sofia also condemned Radev in a statement released on July 15 and said that the country was defending its own lands.

Kaynak: