Foreign Minister to Visit Kyiv: Energy Security and New Sanctions Against Russia Under Discussion

The Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Velislava Petrova, announced that she will visit Kyiv on Wednesday. According to information provided by the Minister in Brussels, the visit is a direct consequence of recent meetings between President Rumen Radev and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The main topic of the negotiations in the Ukrainian capital will be energy security. Petrova emphasized that Sofia is seeking solutions that would be beneficial both for Ukraine and for Bulgaria's national interests. Among the priority options being considered is a plan for additional gas transmission to Ukraine for the upcoming winter.

In the context of international politics, the Foreign Minister confirmed Bulgaria's readiness to support the new sanctions package against Russia. However, she noted that debates are still ongoing within the EU, with Greece expressing concerns in the energy sector and Austria in the financial sector. "Bulgaria can achieve its goals when it succeeds in defending its position with arguments," Petrova stated.

Nevertheless, the sanctions process is subject to detailed negotiations. According to sources, specific exemptions related to business interests are also being discussed, which could affect critical national infrastructure in Bulgaria, such as supplies for the Sofia metro.

In parallel, Bulgaria will not participate in the "Coalition of the Willing" summit in Paris tonight, although President Rumen Radev will be in the French capital tomorrow on an official visit for the occasion of France's national holiday.