site.btaBulgarian Foreign Minister Condemns Ongoing Russian Attacks on Ukraine's Energy Infrastructure

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev condemned the ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He took part in the regular monthly meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Thursday, where he underscored the importance of US-led diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting and just peace in Ukraine.

The foreign ministers began their meeting with a discussion on Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha took part via video link. The ministers discussed EU’s role in supporting peace negotiations and security guarantees, the complex energy situation in Ukraine, and the need to provide urgent assistance to prevent a potential severe humanitarian crisis. They also stressed the need to maintain pressure on Russia, including through new sanctions, and addressed the issue of Iran’s support for Russia’s military aggression. Emphasis was placed on the importance of targeted outreach to third countries to rally support for efforts toward a just and lasting peace and to counter Russian disinformation narratives, as well as on progress in ensuring accountability on Russia’s part.

The Council also discussed the situation in the Middle East, focusing on three main topics: Iran, Israel/Gaza, and Syria. Georgiev welcomed the launch of the second phase of the US plan to end the conflict in Gaza, adopted under UN Security Council Resolution 2803. He stressed that it is of paramount importance for the plan to be fully implemented, including through the provision of humanitarian aid to the population in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas.

The ministers condemned the repression of protesting citizens in Iran. The Bulgarian diplomat supported the need to resume inspections in Iran by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The EU foreign ministers also discussed the situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.