Bulgaria's new prime minister asks Europe to rethink its strategy towards the war in Ukraine. “When we talk about a nuclear umbrella”
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev believes that Europe is lagging behind in its efforts to start negotiations with Russia and must make a very quick reassessment of its strategy and approach to the conflict in Ukraine, reports Agerpres citing the Bulgarian news agency BTA.
Pursuing a strategy of “peace through strength” and trying to achieve a “conventional victory over the largest nuclear power” risks a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine, Radev told reporters in Paris on Wednesday before meeting French President Emmanuel Macron.
“We are already very close to a nuclear escalation”
“A very late idea. Extremely late,” Radev said, referring to Europe's negotiating plans. “I will be happy if Europe finally agrees to start negotiations with Russia. Not just start. Europe should have led these negotiations,” the Bulgarian prime minister also said in response to a question about whether a European leader should take a role in the talks with Moscow.
“What worries me is Europe's effort to achieve a conventional victory over the largest nuclear power without having the ability to intercept and counter Russia's modern hypersonic weapons. This is a serious risk,” Radev added.
The Bulgarian Prime Minister warned of the danger of nuclear escalation. “When we talk about a nuclear umbrella, we have to realize that what has happened in the last few days and the desire at all costs to have peace by force could lead to a nuclear escalation. We are already very close to that, and Europe must do a very quick reassessment of its strategy and approach to this conflict,” he said.
“Bulgaria has an interest”
Radev stressed that Bulgaria has so far provided political, humanitarian, diplomatic and military support to Ukraine, but noted that in the new security environment, Sofia must be cautious about future financial and military commitments. “Bulgaria has an interest, and the first obligation of our government is to guarantee the standard of living and security of Bulgarian citizens. Only then can we think about allocating money for this purpose,” he said.
Regarding reports that France is discussing changes to its nuclear doctrine and options for joint training with allies, Prime Minister Rumen Radev said Bulgaria had not received an invitation to participate. According to him, the most important thing is that diplomacy be restored as the main tool for solving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
