site.btaForeign Ministers of Bulgaria, Ukraine Discuss Security, Rail Links, Ukraine's EU Path

Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynsky met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv to discuss security, energy, transport links and support for Ukraine’s EU integration, the Foreign Ministry press service said on Monday. The meeting took place during the official visit of a Bulgarian delegation led by caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov.

“Ukraine is defending not only its lives but also its dignity. Peace must be just and lasting, and Ukraine must be a full member of the European Union,” Neynsky said.

The two ministers also discussed progress in efforts to hold Russia internationally accountable for the damage caused and crimes committed against Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Bulgaria, as a participant in the Register of Damage for Ukraine, supports its work to ensure timely compensation for people affected by the internationally wrongful acts of the Russian Federation. The Bulgarian side also reaffirmed its readiness to support the effective establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine as a concrete step towards accountability and recovery for the losses suffered.

The energy sector was also among the issues discussed, with the focus on ensuring stability and resilience. The two sides noted that Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure had not weakened its resistance, thanks to rapid repair work, EU support and the high interception rate of Ukraine’s air defence systems. Bulgaria continues to closely monitor the effect of the escalation in the Middle East on crude oil prices and the international energy market.

The ministers also discussed restoring railway links between Bulgaria and Ukraine, which are important for the development of tourism, cultural and economic ties. The Bulgarian side said it was ready to provide all technical and logistical conditions for the safe and effective operation of a rail link from Kyiv to Varna and Burgas, with a trial service planned as early as the 2026 summer season. Bulgaria also supports Ukraine’s efforts to open all key clusters in the EU integration process, including the transport sector.

During the meeting, Sybiha raised the issue of Ukrainian-language teaching in Bulgaria, and the two sides also discussed cooperation with Bolhrad Gymnasium G. S. Rakovski, the oldest and most prominent Bulgarian secondary school in Ukraine. Bulgaria and Ukraine have agreed an updated text of the protocol on the school’s status in order to preserve its identity and educational traditions. Bulgarian is taught to more than 7,000 students in 43 schools in Ukraine. The two sides also discussed opening a Bulgarian school in Odesa, in line with existing bilateral agreements, which would deepen cultural and educational cooperation between the two countries.

Sybiha also informed the Bulgarian side about progress in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

The meeting ended with a reaffirmation of Bulgaria’s long-term and comprehensive support for Ukraine in all areas, including security, energy, transport and EU integration, as well as for achieving a just and lasting peace based on international law and the principles of justice.