A newly signed long-term security agreement between Volodymyr Zelensky and Bulgaria’s interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov has sparked sharp political divisions in Bulgaria, just weeks before the country heads to snap parliamentary elections on April 19.
The ten-year agreement, signed in Kyiv, outlines expanded cooperation between Bulgaria and Ukraine in key areas including defense, intelligence sharing, energy security, and countering hybrid threats. It also includes provisions for continued Bulgarian military assistance to Ukraine, such as training programs and joint production of drones and ammunition under EU-backed initiatives.
Speaking after the signing, Zelensky highlighted plans for strengthening regional energy cooperation, including the development of a gas corridor that could supply Ukraine with up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Gyurov, in turn, praised Ukraine’s expertise in protecting critical infrastructure and maintaining security in the Black Sea region, describing Zelensky’s leadership as a “moral compass.”
However, the agreement has triggered fierce criticism from pro-Russian and nationalist political forces in Bulgaria. The far-right Revival party condemned the deal, calling it illegitimate and demanding immediate action against the interim government. Former President Rumen Radev also voiced concerns, warning that the agreement could pose risks to national security and divert attention from domestic economic challenges ahead of the elections.
The Bulgarian Socialist Party similarly criticized the move, arguing that it deepens political divisions at a sensitive moment for the country.
The controversy reflects broader tensions within Bulgaria over its stance toward Russia and the war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the country has remained politically divided between pro-European and pro-Moscow factions. Despite internal disagreements, Bulgaria has played a significant role in supplying ammunition to Ukraine, underscoring its strategic importance in the region.
The agreement comes amid a turbulent political period marked by caretaker governance and ongoing concerns about electoral integrity. As the election date approaches, the deal is likely to remain a central issue in the political debate, shaping voter perceptions on national security, foreign policy, and Bulgaria’s geopolitical alignment.
