Bulgaria recognized Russia as the main threat

The new defense strategy recognizes Russia as the main threat to peace on the continent, as the aggressor "will maintain its military ambitions towards the West, which increases the risks of nuclear escalation."

The Bulgarian government has adopted a new defense strategy that identifies Russia as the main threat to national security, Novinite reported on Monday, March 10.

The document, approved by the government of Rosen Zhelyazkov, emphasizes the destabilizing role of the Russian Federation after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and emphasizes the key role of NATO and the EU in protecting Bulgaria's interests.

The strategy notes that Russia's aggression has violated international law, increased instability in Europe, and created an unpredictable environment. The document does not rule out the threat of violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of NATO and EU member states.

It is also emphasized that regardless of the development of the war in Ukraine, the Russian Federation will maintain its military ambitions towards the West, which increases the risks of nuclear escalation. The confrontation between Russia and NATO, especially the United States, will continue, and Moscow will perceive Western policy as an attempt to contain its development.

It is separately noted that the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine will further worsen relations between Moscow and the EU. Sanctions and diversification of energy resources will weaken Russia's position in European markets, which may lead to increased internal instability in the Russian Federation. At the same time, the Kremlin is intensifying information and economic attacks against individual EU countries, trying to undermine the sanctions regime.

The defense strategy also warns of the danger of growing Russian influence in the countries of the former USSR, in particular in Moldova and Georgia.

It is noted that the Russian Federation may provoke the resumption of frozen conflicts in order to block their European integration course.

Regarding the Western Balkans, the document says that unresolved regional conflicts can contribute to the spread of nationalism and populism, and Russia, China and some Arab countries are exploiting instability for their geopolitical interests.