Putin blames Bulgaria for war in Ukraine, foreign ministry responds
Photo: Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Bulgaria responded sharply to Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin's statements about US bases on its territory. The authorities reminded that Moscow’s attempt to shift responsibility for the war in Ukraine onto Sofia is unacceptable, informs Euractiv.
"The Russian Federation’s attempts to shift responsibility for starting the illegal and unprovoked war in Ukraine onto other countries, including Bulgaria, are completely unacceptable and constitute a gross manipulation of the facts," stated Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement emphasized that the country’s accession to NATO was a sovereign decision based on the will of Bulgarian citizens and legitimate democratic processes.
"This decision is dictated by Bulgaria’s aspiration for lasting security, stability, and peace in a regional context. The strengthening of the deterrent potential of the member states is aimed at protecting the allied territory, is not a threat to any other country, and is in full compliance with international law," the statement added. It also clarified that Bulgaria remains firmly committed to its allied obligations within NATO and the principles of the European Union.
The main base used for the training of Bulgarian and US military personnel is Novo Selo. According to the agreement with Washington, no more than 2,500 civilians and US military personnel in uniform may be present there. Over the years, this number has never even been approached.
What Putin said
In the propaganda film Russia. Kremlin. Putin. 25 Years, Vladimir Putin claims that Romania and Bulgaria allegedly contributed to the tensions that led to the war in Ukraine by hosting American bases on their territory.
The film initially presents archival footage of Putin saying:
"So-called light forward bases of the US are appearing in Bulgaria and Romania – one in each country. And we have every right to ask bluntly: who is this expansion directed against?"
After that, the scene returns to the present, with Putin explaining his earlier remarks. He claims that in his speech, he tried to appeal to partners "in the hope that we would be heard and attitudes toward Russia would be adjusted." Since that allegedly didn’t happen, it "led to the current tragic events in Ukraine."
It’s worth noting that Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously responded to Putin’s statements, where he accused Romania and Bulgaria of allegedly contributing to the tensions that led to the war in Ukraine.
