Rumen Radev

Rumen Radev is the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, who won the parliamentary elections in April 2026. Radev's party "Progressive Bulgaria" received almost 45 percent of the vote.

Rumen Radev is a pro-Russian politician who voices a skeptical position toward Europe. While president of Bulgaria, Radev flew to Russia to meet with Vladimir Putin (most recently in 2019). 

What Radev says about Ukraine and the war

In 2021, Rumen Radev was running for a second presidential term and stated during a debate that Crimea is Russian. After the scandal, he clarified his statement, saying he had meant only actual control over the territory. He added at the time that he recognizes Crimea as Ukrainian territory and supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country.

By the way, Radev also spoke about supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty in the election program of the "Progressive Bulgaria" party.

In June 2026, Bulgaria requested amendments to the European package of sanctions against Russia. In particular, Radev is asking not to impose restrictions on the Bulgarian branch of Lukoil and the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. According to the prime minister, it is Lukoil that owns the oil refinery in Burgas, which pays the most taxes to Sofia.