"Welcome" to U.S.-Russia Diesel Deal... 'Pro-Russian' Bulgarian PM at Odds with EU

Bulgarian PM: "We Welcome Measures to Lower Fuel Prices"

Differences emerged among European Union (EU) leaders over an agreement between the United States and Russia on diesel supplies. Bulgaria supported the agreement, citing lower fuel prices, while other member states criticized it as a measure that would help Russia secure funding for its war.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev. Reuters-Yonhap.

According to Euronews on October 15 (local time), Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev told reporters before attending a two-day EU summit in Brussels, Belgium, that day, "Do you know what problem Europe is facing right now? High fuel prices," adding, "We welcome any measure that lowers fuel prices and ensures our competitiveness." Radev is regarded as a pro-Russian figure within the EU who has opposed sanctions against Russia and European support for Ukraine.

His remarks came as other EU leaders criticized the agreement as a dangerous and misguided choice. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said ahead of the EU summit that day, "I think this diesel agreement is very regrettable. It may not be very large in scale, but it is still a step in the wrong direction." He added, "Any measure that helps Russia increase its war funding sends a bad signal," and said, "We firmly support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's position."

U.S. President Donald Trump, facing public backlash over a sharp rise in diesel prices ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, said on October 9 that he had recently agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian diesel and supply large quantities to the United States and global markets.

President Zelenskyy criticized the move as a "gift" Trump had given Putin. Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, also called for tougher sanctions against Russia, saying the move would help Russia secure funding for its war.

Meanwhile, EU leaders are expected to make surging energy prices a key topic at the summit. Although the Group of Seven (G7) recently released oil from its reserves, international oil prices remain above $100 per barrel. Natural gas prices have also climbed to their highest level since the winter of 2022, while gas storage levels remain below average.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.