Bulgaria is ready to receive all our compatriots in Ukraine, as well as all Ukrainian citizens who wish to be evacuated from the conflict zone, the Head of State stressed
It is obvious that Russia will win this war, but it is very difficult for it to win the peace. Peace is not won through aggression. It is our responsibility to have peace and diplomatic relations restored more quickly. This is what President Rumen Radev told reporters in Poland's capital Warsaw, where he participated in a B9 summit and a virtual summit of the leaders of NATO member states.
When there are challenges to the common security system, each NATO member state should bear its responsibility, President Rumen Radev said, adding that one of the conclusions of today's NATO Summit is that in this situation it is necessary for each member state to invest even more in developing its defence capabilities, on which the solidarity and unity of the Alliance is built.
The impact of the sanctions against Russia will be felt over time, but the crisis in Ukraine will also have serious repercussions on our economic and social life as well, the President said further. He gave the example of rising energy prices, as well as the anticipated long-term consequences related to supply chains, energy routes and the investment climate.
Bulgaria is providing humanitarian assistance for the evacuation of all our compatriots in Ukraine, as well as for all Ukrainian citizens trying to leave the conflict zone, Rumen Radev added, pointing out that during today's meetings he clearly raised the issue of the Bulgarian historical diaspora and the safety of the citizens of Ukraine. The Head of State expressed confidence that the Bulgarian government will take measures as it did years ago when Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the conflict were treated in Bulgarian military hospitals and rehabilitation centres. The President specified that despite the delay, the first buses with evacuees from Odessa had arrived in Bulgaria this evening.
The President confirmed once again that right now there is no direct military threat to Bulgaria's security.