MFA summons Bulgarian Ambassador over president Radev’s statement on ‘Russian’ Crimea

On November 19, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Ukraine Kostadin Kodzhabashev was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in connection with the statements by President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev about belonging of the temporarily occupied Crimea to Russia.

“The Ukrainian side conveyed to the Ambassador the position of our state on incorrectness and unacceptability of the statements by President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev regarding Crimea during yesterday's pre-election TV debates,” the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs.

The Ministry emphasizes that the words of the incumbent President of Bulgaria do not contribute to the development of good neighborly relations between Ukraine and Bulgaria and are sharply dissonant with Sofia's official position on supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

“We expect President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev to refute his yesterday’s statement,” the Ministry states.

As noted, Ambassador Kodzhabashev assured of Bulgaria’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Crimea’s status as an integral part of our Ukraine’s territory, and efforts to de-occupy the peninsula, in particular through Bulgaria’s participation in the Crimea Platform.

During the presidential candidate debate on November 18, President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev said that he believed Crimea to be Russian territory and EU’s anti-Russian sanctions ineffective.

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