President of Bulgaria steps down from office

Radev said he plans to create a political project and intends to "change the status quo." However, the President did not reveal details about his future political project.

"I am confident that Iliana Yotova (Vice President of Bulgaria - ed.) will be a worthy head of state," he said.

Radev added that even after joining the European Union, Bulgarians "do not trust the media and do not count on justice," and they have twice protested in public squares. At the same time, in European Bulgaria, "a large percentage of people feel poor."

Controversial decisions and statements by Radev regarding Ukraine

In 2023, Bulgarian President Rumen Radev vetoed a law on the free transfer of armored vehicles to Ukraine, sending it back to parliament for reconsideration.

Radev explained his decision by saying that high-mobility armored vehicles could be important for protecting Bulgaria’s borders and helping civilians during disasters and emergencies, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

That same year, Radev accused Ukraine of insisting on continuing the war against Russia.

In May 2025, commenting on aid to Ukraine, the Bulgarian President claimed that Europe was investing resources in a lost cause.

He stated that supplying weapons to Ukraine does not bring it closer to victory but leads to new casualties and destruction.

Radev has held the office of Bulgarian President since 2017.