Bulgarian PM Radev warns of possible Russian tactical nuclear strike in Ukraine

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has issued a stark warning that the world could witness a Russian tactical nuclear strike in Ukraine, describing the risk as an alarming consequence of the conflict’s ongoing escalation.

Speaking to journalists in the National Assembly on Friday, Radev stated: “We can become witnesses – I do not wish it and it should not happen – of a tactical nuclear strike.” He described the situation as deeply concerning, noting that deep strikes up to 2,500 kilometres into each other’s territory have become routine.

No victor, only expanding danger

Radev repeated his long-standing position – held both as President and now as Prime Minister – that there can be no winner in a war against a nuclear power. He argued that the spatial expansion of the conflict is the most worrying aspect, with both sides routinely conducting long-range attacks.

In his view, continued military aid to Ukraine only extends the fighting and increases the danger of catastrophic escalation. “We see daily news of attacks on nuclear power plants. We see how escalation is growing and we may witness, I do not wish it, a tactical nuclear strike. You answer for yourselves where this leads,” Radev said.

He drew on Bulgaria’s traumatic experience with the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, reminding Western partners that what was distant news for them was a direct threat to Bulgarian public health.

Consistent stance sparks controversy

Radev’s comments today align with years of similar statements that have drawn criticism for appearing to question Ukraine’s right to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Critics argue his position effectively echoes Kremlin narratives by framing Western support as the main driver of escalation rather than Russian aggression.

Supporters of Radev’s line, however, see it as pragmatic realism – a call for de-escalation and diplomacy in a conflict that risks dragging Europe into direct confrontation with a nuclear-armed state. Bulgaria, like several other EU and NATO members in Central and Eastern Europe, has historically been cautious about policies that could provoke Moscow.

The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid continued international debate over the scale and nature of military assistance to Kyiv, with some Western voices also expressing growing fatigue and concern over escalation risks.

While the pro-Western opposition parties We Continue the Change and Democratic Bulgaria have made criticising Rumen Radev’s geopolitical positions something of a political profession, they remain too fragmented and weak to challenge him effectively — leaving the Prime Minister with a clear upper hand, at least within Bulgaria’s domestic political arena.

Caption: Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev speaks to the media upon arrival at the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, 8 July 2026. The NATO Summit took place on 7-8 July. EPA/NECATI SAVAS