The Bulgarian government announced on Tuesday the expulsion of 70 Russian diplomats for working for the secret services and “acting in against the interests of Bulgaria”.
“They have links with the Russian intelligence services and have worked against Bulgarian interests”, explained the acting Prime Minister, the pro-European Kiril Petkov.
Diplomats have until Sunday to leave Bulgarian territory.
Bulgaria had already expelled thirteen other representatives of Moscow since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began at the end of February, in all cases accused of espionage.
“Our decision did not it is directed against the Russian people. However, if a foreign government tries to interfere in the internal affairs of Bulgaria, we will act accordingly,” Petkov said, according to local media.
Petkov submits his resignation
The Foreign Ministry also announced that it is closing its consulate in the Russian city of Ekaterinburg, as well as the temporary closure of Russia’s diplomatic representation in Ruse, a city in northern Bulgaria.
Foreign Affairs indicated that Russian diplomatic and technical personnel in Bulgaria, and vice versa, should not exceed 50 persons.
Petkov pointed out months ago that the 170 members of the Russian Embassy in Bulgaria was an excessive number for such a small country.
Petkov presented his resignation yesterday after having lost a motion of censure presented by the populist conservative opposition last week, with which the Balkan country faces the possible convening of the fourth elections in 18 months.
The still prime minister has condemned the Russian attack and has insisted that his country send military aid to Ukraine, despite the opposition of one of the partners in the government coalition, the Socialist Party, heir to the former Communist Party and close to Russia.
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