Bulgaria's Stance on Ukraine and Russia: A Coexistence of Pro-EU Views and Historical Ties

Bulgaria, a member of the European Union since 2007, has a complex relationship with both Ukraine and Russia. Historically, the country has been influenced by both geopolitical forces and cultural ties, making its stance on current political issues multifaceted and nuanced.

Historical Context and Soviet Relations

During the Cold War era, Bulgaria was aligned with the Soviet Union, which greatly influenced the country's political and cultural landscape. This period saw a strong sense of Russophile sentiment, as Bulgarians could understand Russian without lessons, reflecting the close cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Despite this historical alliance, the modern geopolitical landscape has shifted significantly. Bulgaria's EU membership, which came into effect in 2007, has further amplified its pro-Western orientation and shifted its stance on contemporary international conflicts.

Support for Ukrainian Refugees

Bulgaria has demonstrated substantial support for Ukraine by accepting around 500,000 Ukrainian refugees who have fled to the country during the ongoing conflict. This humanitarian gesture underscores Bulgaria's commitment to the principles of the European Union and its solidarity with fellow member states.

Public Opinion and Political Stance

Public opinion polls suggest that a majority of Bulgarians hold a negative view of Russia. A remarkable 66% of the population now view Russia unfavorably, and 77% condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These figures highlight the pro-EU stance of the Bulgarian public, which is largely aligned with the EU's position on the conflict.

Bulgaria has also taken concrete political actions in support of Ukraine. It was among the first countries to close its airspace to Russian planes and co-authored a declaration calling for Ukraine's immediate entry into the EU. Demonstrations supporting Ukraine have seen significant participation, with tens of thousands of people participating, in contrast to pro-Russian demonstrations, which saw only a mere 200 participants.

Media Influence and Propaganda

While media coverage often emphasizes a pro-Russian stance, it is not representative of the general population's views. Mainstream media in Bulgaria is predominantly influenced by pro-Russian business interests, which may skew public opinion in favor of Russia. However, these views do not reflect the broader sentiment of Bulgarians.

Critics of Russia often claim a misleading pro-Russian majority in Bulgaria, based on Russian propaganda and social media. This is a fallacy, as retains developed a critical stance against Russia's aggression. The claim fails to acknowledge that most Bulgarians recognize Russia as an aggressor and support the EU's position.

Historical Sentiment and Pro-Russian Support

It is true that a segment of the Bulgarian population has a pro-Russian sentiment, and at least half of the population may support Putin and the invasion of Ukraine. However, this sentiment is often rooted in historical ties and not a wholesale alignment with Russian interests.

The Bulgarian saying, "Kuritsa ne ptitsa, Bolgaria ne zagranitsa" (The hen is not a bird, Bulgaria is not a foreign country), underscores the deep historical and cultural connections between Bulgaria and Russia, yet also emphasizes the natural alignment of Bulgaria with the European Union.

Bulgaria's pro-Western stance is not a recent development but a long-standing commitment, shaped by historical, cultural, and political factors. The country has repeatedly elected pro-Western governments over the decades, and its actions and sentiments align with the EU's policies and principles.

In conclusion, while some Bulgarians may support Russia, the broader sentiment and official stance are strongly in favor of the EU and a pro-Ukrainian position. The country's actions and media claims should not distort the reality of Bulgaria's deeply held commitment to Western values and its historical ties that continue to influence its foreign policy decisions.