Bulgarian Foreign Ministry: UN Declaration on Ukraine Does Not Fully Express National Position
Bulgaria has formally aligned with a joint international statement on Ukraine presented at the United Nations, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated that the document does not fully capture the country’s national position. According to a written position issued by the MFA, the nation’s stance was instead articulated by President Iliyana Yotova during her address at the general political debates of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The declaration, published prior to a UN Security Council session, was signed by over 50 countries, including all 27 member states of the European Union. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova is also in New York as part of the national delegation. While regional neighbors such as Turkey, Serbia, and Kosovo did not feature in the signatory list reported by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA), Sofia chose to join the broader European consensus.
Balancing European Unity with National Priorities
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that joining the declaration demonstrates Sofia’s commitment to European unity. The joint statement contains foundational principles defending international law and calling for peace, which officials noted that Bulgaria consistently supports. However, the ministry stressed that these broad strokes fall short of the specific national nuances delivered by President Yotova on the UN floor.
In her speech to the UN General Assembly, Yotova addressed the ongoing conflict without explicitly condemning Russian aggression, choosing instead to focus her remarks on moving the conflict from the battlefield to diplomatic and political arenas. She emphasized the necessity of dialogue, peace talks, and security guarantees, setting a distinct tone compared to the sharper rhetoric of the joint Western declaration.
Did you know? The joint UN declaration calls on Russia to agree to an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire, noting that Ukraine agreed to such terms in March 2025.
Core Demands Outlined in the International Declaration
The joint statement—distributed by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha—demands that Moscow halt its military campaign. “Russia must stop its aggression, agree to a ceasefire, and engage constructively in negotiations for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in accordance with international law,” the text declares, as noted in reports from Club Z.
Signatories also expressed profound alarm over escalating Russian strikes against civilian populations and critical infrastructure. The document underscores solidarity with Kyiv, reaffirms the UN Charter principles regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, and highlights the ongoing threats to global food security stemming from disruptions in the Black Sea region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Bulgaria sign the UN declaration on Ukraine?
Yes, Bulgaria is listed among the 51 countries—including all 27 EU member states—that signed the joint statement ahead of the UN Security Council session, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ukrainian foreign ministry records.
Why does the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry claim the text is incomplete?
The MFA stated that while the declaration supports international law and peace, it does not fully reflect the specific national positions presented by President Iliyana Yotova during her UN General Assembly address.
What are the primary demands of the joint international declaration?
The document calls on Russia to accept an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire, stop its military actions, and enter substantive peace negotiations respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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