site.btaPM Zhelyazkov Describes Return of Ukraine’s Children as Non-Negotiable Precondition for Peace Talks

The return of Ukrainian children is not part of the negotiation process - it is a condition that must be met in order for real peace talks in Ukraine to begin, said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at a briefing with Bulgarian media in New York on Tuesday.

"Our position remains unchanged - clear and firm," Zhelyazkov stated. "The territories occupied by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, as well as all citizens who have passed through the so-called filtration camps, must be immediately returned to their homes," he added.

Later in the day, Zhelyazkov will participate in an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, dedicated to the return of Ukrainian children from Russia to Ukraine. The meeting will be chaired by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, who accompanied the Prime Minister on his visit, responded to a question regarding the detained Bulgarian citizen in Ukraine by saying that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is "in contact with the family of our compatriot."

"It is important to clarify that he holds dual citizenship - both Bulgarian and Ukrainian," Georgiev explained. "While residing on the territory of Ukraine, Ukrainian laws apply to him, including those concerning mobilization," he added.

When asked whether there had been any communication with President Rumen Radev on the matter, the Foreign Minister said that "in such situations, populism is unnecessary."

"The Bulgarian State has always acted responsibly and has worked with a view to achieving a positive outcome, not to gain questionable political dividends," he stated.

Georgiev also added that there is no information yet on whether the Bulgarian consul has received cooperation from Ukrainian authorities on the matter.