Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, known for his pro-Russia stance, has declined to attend the upcoming NATO summit in July in Washington, citing lack of consultation on the country’s official position and commitments regarding the war in Ukraine.
The decision has sparked debates between pro-Russian and pro-Western factions in Bulgaria on whether Radev, as the military’s commander-in-chief, should represent the country at the summit. Critics have often accused Radev of being too sympathetic to Kremlin interests, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Radev opposes military intervention in the conflict and has criticized the Bulgarian government’s support for Kyiv, referring to advocates of military aid to Ukraine as “warmongers.” His refusal to attend the NATO summit has drawn further criticism, with opponents accusing him of prioritizing foreign interests over national concerns.
Despite Bulgaria’s historic ties to Russia, the country joined NATO in 2004, aligning itself with Euro-Atlantic values. However, a significant portion of the population maintains pro-Russian sentiments based on cultural and historical connections.
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