Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that his country will no longer be part of the Coalition of the Willing—a group of states supporting Ukraine in its confrontation with Russian aggression.

According to Ukrinform, Bloomberg reported this.

Bulgaria, which had previously participated in the coalition’s meetings, was not represented at the July 13 meeting in Paris.

“We’re not participating in a coalition that insists on continuing financial and military aid to Ukraine. The solution to this conflict is not in prolonging it by military means, but in a strong diplomatic mission that will finally put an end to the escalation,” Radev told reporters on July 14.

This move further distances Bulgaria from the majority of European Union member states that support Ukraine, the publication notes.

Radev, who has consistently criticized the provision of military aid to Ukraine, has repeatedly rejected accusations that he takes a pro-Russian stance in the war, stating that he advocates for “pragmatic” relations with the Kremlin.

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As reported by Ukrinform, Radev previously stated that the idea of establishing an international tribunal for Russian leader Vladimir Putin would only make sense if he were physically detained.

While still serving as president, Radev opposed Bulgaria’s supply of military equipment to Ukraine and other forms of support for Kyiv. Since taking office as prime minister, he has continued to advocate for peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow.

Photo: NATO, flickr