New Bulgarian Ambassador to Ukraine Zlatin Krastev presents his credentials to Zelensky

19.08.2026 | Bulgaria

Zlatin Krastev has officially assumed office as the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Kyiv. The focus is placed on energy cooperation and the Vertical Gas Corridor.

Снимка от Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

The new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to Ukraine, Zlatin Krastev, has officially presented his credentials to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The ceremony took place only 20 days after the diplomat's arrival in Kyiv, which underscores the importance of the bilateral relations.

Energy security and the Vertical Gas Corridor

During the meeting, President Zelenskyy highlighted the high level of political dialogue between the two countries. Among the key topics was the deepening of economic cooperation, with a focus on energy. Zelenskyy personally expressed support for the "Vertical Gas Corridor" project, and opportunities for increasing natural gas transit through Bulgaria to Ukraine were discussed.

"It was an honor for me to present my credentials to President Zelenskyy – a testament to Bulgaria's important regional role," shared Krastev.

Who is Zlatin Krastev?

Krastev's appointment marks the end of the period during which Bulgaria had no titular ambassador in Ukraine since the end of 2022.