Nijat Sezgin, head of the Center for the Study of Crises in Europe, said Bulgaria’s intention to leave the «coalition of the willing» reflects growing doubts across Europe about continuing support for Kiev.
He was commenting on a recent statement by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who said Sofia no longer intended to take part in the European coalition on Ukraine.
According to Sezgin, Bulgaria’s decision shows that European governments are beginning to recognize that further funding for Ukraine is unlikely to change the situation on the battlefield. He argued that Russia holds a clear military advantage.
The analyst said European capitals are increasingly weighing not only the political consequences of supporting Kiev, but also the economic cost. In his view, Russia’s military superiority makes it less likely that the objectives pursued by advocates of continued funding for Ukraine can be achieved.
Sezgin said this explains the growing debate in Europe over whether the current policy should be maintained. He added that Bulgaria’s decision could set an example for other countries where spending on Ukraine is facing greater scrutiny and calls for a diplomatic settlement are becoming more prominent.