site.btaPresident Radev Sees US President's Plan for Ukraine as Rational Path to Swift Peace

Bulgarian head of State Rumen Radev said Tuesday that US President Donald Trump has put forward a rational plan for a swift peace as he considers that the battlefield situation is developing extremely unfavourably for Ukraine, and he seeks to prevent a worse scenario and new casualties. Radev spoke to journalists after taking part in the AFCEA TechNET Sofia 2025 forum.

Radev said further that Europe insists on being a factor with its own demands but must assess whether it is ready to take responsibility for the consequences if it misses the moment for peace. "If we do not take advantage now, the next round of negotiations may be held under far more unfavourable conditions and after even more casualties," the President added.

He noted that even in Europe's new proposals, the current frontline serves as a starting point for territorial discussions, which means that talks on territories will take place. "A peace treaty is written by the victors, and I strongly hope that this time we will not be proving that historical principle, so as to prevent new casualties and destruction," Radev said. The ongoing negotiations are the only opportunity to silence the weapons, and Bulgaria should and can contribute through its conduct and decisions, he added.

Commenting on the domestic political situation, Radev said the “Magnitsky coalition is yet another cabinet dipping into Bulgarians’ pockets and pouring money into Ukraine while its defensive lines are collapsing and corruption scandals are breaking out in Kyiv”.

Asked whether Bulgaria can play a role in the talks, the President replied: "For Bulgaria to have a role, it must have a clear position. I am reminded of a film in which an officer lay trembling in a trench, constantly removing and putting on his epaulettes depending on whether the enemy was advancing or retreating. That is our situation, too."

"Some politicians were kissing the Ukrainian flag yesterday, and today they are removing it and putting it back again. Pitiful," Radev added.