After Putin's launch of war
Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted mostly wholehearted condemnation, albeit with one notable exception.
Bulgarian President Rumen Radev reiterated that Bulgaria would work for its defense within NATO. Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said he would travel to Brussels and that Bulgaria would speak "in one voice" alongside the European Union and NATO.
By contrast, Defense Minister Stefan Yanev said that applying labels to Putin's invasion was misplaced as it was still not clear whether this was a military operation. Also, Parliament adopted a declaration condemning "the violation of international law by the Russian Federation and the encroachment on territorial integrity through military intervention against Ukraine". President Radev announced that the government would analyze risks for air and sea routes in the country as well as energy routes and the whole supply chain.
From Ukraine to Bulgaria
4 000 Bulgarians have requested to be evacuated from Ukraine. Prime Minister Kiril Petkov announced that Bulgaria would do everything possible to get them home. Minister of Tourism Hristo Prodanov said he negotiated with the Union of Hoteliers about the possibilities for Bulgarian refugees from Ukraine to be accommodated in hotels in Bulgaria if necessary.
No more green certificates
Bulgaria has started easing its Covid-19 measures. From today, the owners of restaurants, theaters, and malls will be able to decide whether to allow visitors without a green certificate. However, the document remains mandatory for staff. The next stage comes on 5th March when the green certificate will be officially canceled for such venues, but still required for staff. From 20th March, it will be required only for foreign travel.
After Putin's launch of war
Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted mostly wholehearted condemnation, albeit with one notable exception.