Sofia: Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has stated that Bulgaria will not participate in the coalition of the willing supporting Ukraine. Radev emphasized that Sofia does not endorse further military assistance and instead advocates for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict, as reported by the Bulgarian News Agency BTA.

According to Anadolu Agency, Radev conveyed his decision during an interview with broadcaster bTV, where he disclosed that he had received a personal invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend a summit in Paris. However, Radev opted not to participate, expressing his belief that Bulgaria should not be part of a coalition that supports continued financial and military aid to Ukraine. He argued that the resolution of the conflict should focus on diplomatic efforts rather than military escalation.

Radev also addressed inquiries regarding a new European ballistic missile defense initiative announced in Paris. He clarified that decisions impacting Bulgaria's collective security are made within the frameworks of NATO and the EU, and Bulgaria remains actively engaged in these decision-making processes.

The coalition of the willing summit, held in Paris, convened approximately 25 leaders from over 30 countries to discuss the ongoing support for Ukraine.