The President before the Kyodo Agency: Diplomatic efforts for Ukraine were late

Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine have been late, they have to start from the first day of the war in order to avoid the destruction and the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. President Rumen Radev said in an interview with Japanese news agency, President of the Head of State reported. The interview came out hours before the start of the five -day official visit to the head of state in Japan.

« Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I have argued that it has no military decision, » Radev says, adding that the conflict has become a war of exhaustion, devastating for Ukrainian infrastructure and economy.

The Bulgarian Head of State states that from the very beginning of the war Bulgaria has provided all -round support to Ukraine, but sending more weapons will not lead to peace. Therefore, Rumen Radev calls for support for any initiative to end hostilities, welcoming the efforts and initiatives of US President Donald Trump to immediately stop fire and start negotiations between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine.

« People in Bulgaria and our region want to see the restoration of peace in Europe, » Radev says.

The future of Crimea

In response to a question about the future of the Crimea Peninsula, the President emphasizes that the only way to achieve a stable long -term solution is an agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The Head of State adds that the future peace agreement should be reached on the basis of international law and UN principles and requires a compromise on both sides.

During his official visit to Japan, Rumen Radev will have an audience with Emperor Naruhito and sign with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba a declaration of strategic partnership between Bulgaria and Japan. In Osaka, the president and his delegation will participate in the Day of Bulgaria at the Expo World Expo 2025.

« One of the most important aspects of my visit to Japan is the long-awaited signing of a declaration for raising bilateral relations with Bulgaria at the level of strategic partnership, » Radev says. He points out that he includes representatives of leading Bulgarian companies in various fields that will hold meetings with their Japanese colleagues.

Last year, Bulgaria and Japan celebrated the 115th anniversary of bilateral relations and 85 years of diplomatic relations. The two sides interrupted their ties for 15 years in 1944 with the coming of communist rule.