**Bulgarian Prime Minister Backs Out of Signing Ukraine Deal**
Former Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov has suggested that the treaty between Bulgaria and Ukraine is no longer beneficial. This comes amid expectations of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
The Ukrainian government had been expecting to sign a deal with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Brussels on December 19. However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev unexpectedly backed out of signing the document, saying he needed approval from the parliament first.
**What’s Behind the Change?**
Borissov pointed to internal political reasons for not supporting the deal. He said that such a deal should be signed by an elected government rather than the caretaker cabinet. This is unusual, as Bulgaria had already committed to signing the agreement in July with other international partners.
**Impact on Ukraine-Bulgaria Relations**
The decision not to sign the treaty comes at a time when Ukrainian officials are open to diplomatic resolution and US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to push Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table. The delay in Bulgaria’s signature could affect the country’s relations with Ukraine, which have been strained due to significant pro-Russian sentiment.
**What Next?**
Borissov did not rule out supporting a bilateral security agreement signed by the next government if it was mutually beneficial to Sofia and Kyiv. The caretaker cabinet will serve until a new government is appointed following the October elections, in which Borissov’s GERB party won 25.52% of the vote.
**Background**
Bulgaria has provided Ukraine with various forms of aid since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. However, the matter has been contentious due to opposition from President Rumen Radev and significant pro-Russian sentiment in the country.
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