site.btaForeign Minister Genchovska: We Condemn Russian Bombings of Civilian Buildings in Ukraine

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska on Monday took part in a regular EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

EU foreign ministers discussed the latest developments in connection with the Russian invasion in Ukraine and EU’s future actions and possibilities to increase support for Ukraine, the situation in Mali and Ethiopia. They conferred with Moldova’s Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu and discussed in detail the situation in the country within the context of the war in Ukraine.

During the discussion, Genchovska said: “We strongly condemn Russia’s military action against Ukraine and the brutal Russian bombings of civilian facilities, including residential buildings, schools, kindergartens and hospitals.” She underscored the significance of comprehensive sanctions against the regime in Moscow which exhaust the resources of the aggressor.  She took stock of the need to counter Russian disinformation and to continue diplomatic contacts with third countries, and Western Balkan countries in particular.

EU foreign ministers underscored EU’s full support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Moldova. Genchovska said that Bulgaria’s is a staunch supporter of the European perspective for Moldova in keeping with the existing procedures.

Within the framework of a joint session of EU foreign and defence ministers dedicated to the Strategic Compass, EU’s new security policy framework document, Foreign Minister Genchovska and Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov noted the changed geostrategic environment as a result of the Russian military aggression in Ukraine,

Bulgaria’s top diplomat said: “The EU should be better prepared and equipped in order to respond adequately to the threats that have changed in volume and kind,” noting that advancing strategic partnership with NATO is key. The joint session adopted a draft Strategic Compass which is to be approved by the European Council later in the week.

Within the framework of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, Genchovska took part in a working dinner dedicated to the European perspective of Ukraine and in a working breakfast of EU foreign ministers and North Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani. Genchovska said that Bulgaria commends highly the joining of EU candidate