Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, praised by Moscow for his more moderate rhetoric towards Russia

The government of Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev received praise from Moscow after Bulgaria decided not to join the coalition of countries supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Radev, known for his pro-Russian stance, took power in Sofia, and the official rhetoric has become more restrained regarding Russia and the crisis in Ukraine, according to statements by Yuri Pilipson, the director of the European Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Although Moscow welcomed this change, Pilipson mentioned that it is premature to discuss the restoration of Russian-Bulgarian cooperation due to Bulgaria's political dependence on Brussels. In July, Radev announced that Bulgaria would not participate in the 'Coalition of the Willing', thus reinforcing his pro-Russian position.

"After the coming to power in Bulgaria of the new government led by the former president of the country, Radev, the official rhetoric of Sofia regarding Russia and the crisis surrounding Ukraine has become more restrained and has acquired rational elements," Pilipson stated, director in the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an interview published on Sunday by the official agency TASS.