Zlatyn Krastev has officially assumed his post as Bulgaria’s ambassador to Ukraine, presenting copies of his credentials to Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oleksandr Mishchenko, in Kyiv. According to the Bulgarian embassy in Kyiv, the diplomatic meeting took place on July 31, less than 24 hours after Krastev arrived in the Ukrainian capital. This rapid diplomatic arrangement is viewed by the embassy as a clear signal of the high value the Ukrainian government places on its bilateral relations with Sofia.
First Bulgarian Ambassador to Ukraine Since Late 2022
Krastev’s arrival marks the end of a diplomatic vacancy that lasted nearly four and a half years since the beginning of the war, as Bulgaria had been without an extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador in Kyiv since late 2022. The previous ambassador, Kostadin Kodzhabashev, held the post from November 30, 2018, until the Council of Ministers proposed his release on September 14, 2022, to assume the role of deputy minister of foreign affairs. Following Kodzhabashev’s departure, the embassy was sequentially managed by charge d’affaires German Vanchev, followed by Nikolay Nenchev appointed by the caretaker government of Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev in mid-2024, and later by Elena Slatinska-Ovanezova.
The president signed the official decree appointing Krastev to the ambassadorial post on November 19, 2025. Krastev brings extensive diplomatic and defense experience to the position, having previously served as a career diplomat, a deputy minister of defense, and a long-standing representative within Bulgaria’s permanent delegation to NATO.
Did You Know? Zlatyn Krastev is the first fully accredited extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador representing Bulgaria in Ukraine following a multi-year gap in top-level representation that began after the departure of Kostadin Kodzhabashev in late 2022.
Bilateral Talks Cover Defense Innovation and EU Integration
During their initial meeting, Krastev and Mishchenko addressed several critical areas for cooperation, including deepening the political dialogue, expanding economic ties, and improving energy and transport connectivity. The two officials also discussed sharing expertise regarding defense innovations. Regional security in the Black Sea was a primary focus of the talks, with specific emphasis placed on securing safe commercial navigation lanes.
According to the Bulgarian embassy, Sofia reiterated its consistent support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, alongside backing for efforts aimed at achieving a lasting and fair peace. Additional topics on the agenda included sharing Bulgaria’s specific experience with the European Union accession negotiation process, recognizing the vital role of the local Bulgarian community in strengthening bilateral ties, and scheduling future consultations between the foreign ministries of both countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new Bulgarian ambassador to Ukraine?
Zlatyn Krastev, a career diplomat, former deputy minister of defense, and veteran of Bulgaria’s permanent delegation to NATO, is the new ambassador.
When was Krastev appointed to the post?
He was appointed by a presidential decree issued on November 19, 2025, and arrived in Kyiv on July 31.
Who did Krastev meet with upon arriving in Kyiv?
He presented copies of his credentials to Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Oleksandr Mishchenko.