Europe Supports Ukraine: Costa and Zhelyazkov Discuss Cooperation

Europe is an unwavering partner of Ukraine, said the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, during an official visit to Bulgaria, where he met with Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov. The arrival of the high-ranking European representative is part of a large-scale tour aimed at synchronizing the positions of member states ahead of key meetings at the European and international level.

At the heart of the talks was the issue of Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. President Costa emphasized that Europe's unified support was of vital importance for Ukraine to preserve its sovereignty and statehood, even after the conflict entered its fourth year. He highlighted Bulgaria's decisive role in these efforts.

"With your military support, assistance, experience, and regional knowledge, you are fundamental in our efforts to support Ukraine," said Costa, emphasizing the country's concrete and significant contribution.

Russian Hybrid Threats and European Vulnerability

During his visit, Antonio Costa also raised the issue of Russia's expanding influence, which is felt far beyond the battlefields in Ukraine. According to him, the European Union is under constant hybrid attacks on its own territory. These attacks include increasingly frequent cyberattacks, targeted destruction of critical infrastructure, and sophisticated attempts to undermine the democratic foundations of European states.

President Costa was adamant that this behavior by the Kremlin requires an adequate response. He called for the urgent development and improvement of a toolkit for deterring and counteracting these hybrid threats. This statement comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns among European leaders about the stability and security of the continent, which are under pressure from hostile actions aimed at destabilization.

The visit of the President of the European Council is part of a broader initiative for consultations with all heads of state and government within the EU. The purpose of this tour is not only to exchange views on current Union topics but also to gather specific proposals and priorities, especially in the context of the Multiannual Financial Framework and the preparation for upcoming high-level meetings. The talks in Sofia underscored Europe's common position for unwavering support of Ukraine and the need to strengthen the EU's defense mechanisms against external threats.