Once again, we would like to emphasize that such a step by official Sofia is unlikely to help normalize the situation in Ukraine, as well as complicate the Russian-Bulgarian dialogue in many directions in the long run. This is stated in the position of the Russian Embassy, published on Facebook.
Here is the full text of the message:
“Weekly briefing of the Russian Embassy in Bulgaria:
About the situation in Ukraine
The special operation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine continues. Let’s remind about its main goals:
️ first – protection of the inhabitants of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics;
️ second – demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine;
️ third – elimination of a direct threat to the Russian Federation coming from Ukrainian territory due to its military control by NATO countries.
We emphasize that the catastrophic military-political situation in Ukraine is caused not by Moscow’s actions, but by the long-term aspirations of Washington and its allies to create a fascist state against Russia in the country.
The first stage of the special operation was successfully completed, as a result of which the Ukrainian armed forces were forced to focus on holding large cities, which did not allow them to realize their potential in the Donbas direction.
Nationalist battalions continue to use terror tactics, using the most destructive weapons against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Threatening death, thugs are preventing citizens from entering humanitarian corridors. There have been reports that residents are paying nationalists for the opportunity to leave the war zone.
We regularly receive testimonies of torture and violence against captured Russian servicemen, which are sometimes even more brutal than those used in fascist Germany, which is famous for its Ukrainian nationalists. All such cases will be carefully investigated. The guilty will receive a well-deserved punishment.
The Russian Federation provides comprehensive humanitarian assistance to the affected residents of the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, as well as in the controlled regions of Ukraine. At the same time, talks are under way with Ukraine to de-escalate tensions in the region and ensure the security of the civilian population.
Arms deliveries to the Ukrainian Armed Forces
We are closely following the ongoing discussion among the Bulgarian political elite about possible arms and ammunition supplies to Ukrainian nationalists.
Once again, we would like to emphasize that such a step by official Sofia is unlikely to help normalize the situation in Ukraine, as well as complicate the Russian-Bulgarian dialogue in many directions in the long run.
About the gas situation
As of today, a new line of payments is in place for Russian gas supplies to countries that have been identified as “hostile” as a result of their hostile policies towards Russia. In accordance with the new rules, payments will be made in rubles through accounts in Russian banks while maintaining the current price and other parameters of existing contracts.
Russia, as before, continues to supply gas in full in accordance with its obligations under existing treaties, including through transit through Ukraine.
The new order of payments was made under duress in response to the illegal blocking of Russian foreign exchange assets, which deprived our country of access to the funds received for gas. We have neither the ability nor the desire to supply gas for free to countries that are diligently trying to harm us.
Refusal to pay in rubles will be considered a breach of contract with all its consequences. “
