On May 9 - the Day of Europe and Victory Day (commemorating the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War II), Bulgarian citizens and dignitaries laid wreaths and flowers at the memorials of the Bulgarian and Soviet soldiers who died during World War II.

In Sofia, hundreds of Bulgarians also gathered at the Soviet Army Memorial to commemorate the dead, BTA reported.

Among them was the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to this country, Eleonora Mitrofanova, who refused to comment on the tensions that erupted at the memorial. Police presence has been stepped up around the monument to prevent clashes between those who came to pay their respects and the anti-Russian protesters.

Early this morning, yellow and blue paint was poured on the Soviet Army Monument. The inscription "To the Soviet Army Liberator" was scratched off with red spray paint, but all the paint was quickly cleaned up, the BTA reported.

• Protests "in favor of" and "against" wrapping the Soviet Army Monument with Ukrainian flags