Ministry of Defence: Bulgaria is a sovereign country which uses its own judgment in deciding what alliances to participate in

Russia's foreign ministry's position can hardly be interpreted as a positive signal in the context of intense diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions on NATO's Eastern flank, Bulgaria’s Defence Ministry said in a statement on January 21.

The sharpening of rhetoric comes at a time when there is a new dynamic in relations between NATO and the Russian Federation. In the context of the renewed dialogue in the NATO-Russia Council, when we already have functioning channels of communication, it is difficult to rationalize this type of speech. The pragmatic approach implies that problems in bilateral and allied relations should be addressed in the appropriate institutional formats.

If the Russian Federation has concerns about its own security that are relevant to Bulgaria, they should be presented, including at bilateral level. At present, we have not been asked such questions.

The success of the diplomatic means used to de-escalate tensions and resolve conflicts depends on the will and sincere desire of the parties involved to have an effective, pragmatic and meaningful dialogue. The ultimate approach, on the other hand, is not just unconstructive, but would lead to a subsequent escalation, which is to no one’s advantage.

In this sense, the conduct demonstrated by the Russian Federation could hardly fit into the framework of efforts to resolve security issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

"Bulgaria is a sovereign country which uses its own judgment in defining and implementing its domestic and foreign policy and in choosing what line of conduct to follow in international relations and what alliances to participate in. Our future is up to us. Decisions concerning Bulgaria are made by the legitimate Bulgarian authorities in accordance with the Constitution and the national legislative framework," the Ministry said. "Our national interests are and will continue to be a point of departure for each decision and step that we take," the position reads.