“It is absolutely inadmissible, in the 21^st century in Europe, to have missiles flying and strikes against a sovereign state. There is no direct military threat to the security of Bulgaria. But there are a number of risks,” said President Rumen Radev after a meeting on Ukraine with the prime minister, cabinet ministers and the heads of different services.

All possible options are being sought so there will be no disruptions in the supply of gas, petrol, essential commodities. Various alternative routes and deliveries are being sought. Work on cybersecurity is in progress. Bulgaria will work actively towards its defence, within the frameworks of NATO, the Bulgarian head of state said further.

“The fate of out compatriots from Ukraine is important to us. More than 4,000 have so far requested evacuation. We shall do everything possible so that our compatriots will be evacuated. I turn to all Bulgarians in Ukraine, and to all Ukrainian citizens who want to seek asylum in Bulgaria – we are open. We shall do everything possible so they can be transported to Bulgaria safely and rendered assistance,” President Radev said.