Radev from Berlin: It's time for negotiations with Russia on Ukraine
BERLIN - Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated in Berlin that it is high time for diplomacy regarding the war in Ukraine, assessing that the conflict exhausts not only the countries directly involved but also those supporting it. Radev said this at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his first visit to Berlin as the head of the Bulgarian government.
TL;DR
- Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev called for an immediate shift to diplomacy in the Ukraine war.
- Radev stated that the conflict is exhausting for all involved parties and supporters.
- He believes that starting negotiations is the priority for Europe, regardless of the number of negotiators.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that Russia has intensified attacks in response to negotiation offers.
- Merz stressed that Russia must agree to negotiate, and fighting must stop as a prerequisite.
- Radev's visit to Berlin was his first abroad as prime minister.
- Radev has previously expressed skepticism towards military aid to Kyiv, vetoing the free supply of armored transporters in 2023, though the veto was later overturned by the Bulgarian parliament.