site.btaIn Brussels, Bulgarian MEP Radan Kanev Argues in Favour of Isolating Russia

Bulgarian MEP Radan Kanev (EPP/Democratic Bulgaria) took a strong stance in favour of isolating Russia during the German Marshall Fund's Brussels Forum on Tuesday. Both Kanev and Michael McFaul, US Ambassador to Moscow under the administration of President Barack Obama, argued "Yes" during the debate on the question "Should We Isolate Russia?" The debate was livestreamed on the Brussels Forum's website.

Taking a question about whether Russia's isolation should be ended if Moscow takes control of the rest of Donbas, Kanev answered firmly in the negative. He said: "The invasion of Crimea and our passive behaviour led us here. A successful annexation of Donbas and our passive behaviour will lead us to Kyiv. And Kyiv will lead us to Warsaw or to Bucharest. That is something we cannot allow - whatever the economic price, by the way."

Kanev dwelled on the counterargument that the aggressor should not be isolated because it is too strong and is coping quite well economically. The Bulgarian politician noted that the authorities in his own country have had to reckon with the fact that there is strong pro-Russian sentiment among the people and Bulgaria has very strong economic relations with Russia. Therefore, Bulgaria was reluctant to accept the sanctions against Russia and declined to send weapons directly to Ukraine. As a result, it became the first European country for which Russian natural gas supplies were discontinued. But still, Sofia kept repaying its debt. That was the result of Bulgaria's being too accommodating, he said.

Kanev's fellow party member in Democratic Bulgaria, MP Elisaveta Belobradova, also took part in this edition of the Brussels Forum.