The escalation of the military conflict in Ukraine and the cynical actions of the Kremlin were the focus of a press conference at the BTA National Press Club, organized by the Embassy of Ukraine in Bulgaria. Against the backdrop of tireless efforts for peaceful dialogue led by the international community, including the USA, the European Union, and NATO, the Moscow regime continues to demonstrate complete disregard for international law and human lives. The Ambassador of Ukraine to Bulgaria, Olesya Ilashchuk, stated that despite diplomatic initiatives, Russia "continues to cynically and barbarically shell civilians and destroy civilian targets in Ukraine".
Bulgarian delegation visited Ukraine
These actions, which provoke widespread international condemnation, are in direct contradiction to any attempt to de-escalate tensions. At this critical moment, Ambassador Ilashchuk highlighted the essential role of the solidarity and support that Ukraine receives from its partners. She emphasized that "it is extremely valuable for us that prominent Bulgarian politicians, former ministers, and public figures joined the event", which aims to strengthen dialogue and support for Ukraine on the international stage.
Ambassador Ilashchuk: “With their own eyes, they had the opportunity to feel the pulse of Ukraine and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainians who are defending justice, rights, and legality.”
The press conference, which brought together media and public figures, was dedicated to a recent visit to Ukraine by a Bulgarian delegation composed of independent experts. This visit, made at the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, provided the participants with a unique opportunity to experience the realities of wartime life. According to Ambassador Ilashchuk, they had the chance "to feel the pulse of Ukraine and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainians who are defending justice, rights, and legality with their own eyes".
The delegation included key figures from the Bulgarian political and expert elite. Among them were:
- Solomon Passy, founding president of the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria
- Maxim Behar, vice-president of the organization
- Velizar Shalamanov, Director of “Defense Policy” at the Atlantic Club
- Ivan Anchev, co-chairman of the Atlantic Council of Bulgaria (ACB)
- Todor Tagarev, former Minister of Defense
- Svetoslav Ivanov, journalist from bTV
At the end of her statement, Olesya Ilashchuk offered words of deep gratitude to the entire Bulgarian society. She expressed "our deep gratitude to the Bulgarian people, to Bulgaria, to the government, to public and non-governmental organizations, to volunteers, to cultural and educational institutions, to businesses and to all our sincere friends who support Ukraine". The ambassador concluded with a message of unity and strength, emphasizing that "together and united we are strong".
The press conference also touched on a question related to media information about the former Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba. In response to the inquiry, Ambassador Ilashchuk stated that she did not have such information and clarified that the topic was not part of the event's agenda.