By aligning with NATO’s desperately aggressive stance against Russia, Bulgaria risks catastrophic retaliation in the hope to satisfy deranged Western official's desires.
Excellent and very timely analysis! I agree with everything you say but the silence of the Bulgarian public is so discouraging. I'm sure the majority of the population is against confrontation with Russia and the current political direction of our country which is so foolishly and sheepishly aligned with unhinged Western "leaders" like Stoltenberg and von der Leyen. But still, where is the outrage? Even when it comes to voting, the turnout is laughable. I know the voting process and everything else is rigged but how can we complain and want a real change when we don't even go to cast our vote when we have the chance? Everybody, myself included is so desperate and hopeless because even when we were out in the streets protesting in huge numbers, all we got is even worse than Borisov. I have no idea at this point what the solution is other than bloody revolution and violence which is no better because it might turn out country in another Ukraine...
Thank you very much for taking the time to react to this article. I’m happy that we’re in agreement, although it’s quite disheartening that what we agree on is something as sad as the prevailing apathy, helplessness, cynicism, and carelessness that the Bulgarian public seems to demonstrate, even in the face of such an ultimate danger as the one described in the article. I share your frustration deeply. However, I still want to believe that change is possible. Your engagement and the discussions we have here are small steps toward that change. Let’s keep the conversation going and encourage more people to participate, both in discussions and at the polls.
Thank you for laying it all out so well. I really, really wish I could say you're just being dramatic, it can't be so bad but, alas, I cannot. I've also began to lose hope we can turn things around in a peaceful way, by voting. The argument I keep hearing from the totally disillusioned is "They're all bastards". Well, yes, there are no honest people in politics but you can choose the bastards who are not trying to turn you into a launch pad for WWIII. I fear, however, we are going to learn this lesson the hard way. My only hope is Russia's sentiment towards us, badly as our political filth of the past three years has undermined it. As an elderly neighbour said the other day "I'm waiting for Putin to come and pull our ears so we wake up." It is truly exasperating to keep relying on a saviour from abroad.
Irina, I share your frustration completely. To those outside the Eastern European, and particularly Bulgarian, context, our concerns might seem alarmist or overly dramatic, but this is our reality. We are indeed learning a hard lesson, the hard way.
I also hold onto the hope that Russians can see through the current political dynamics and distinguish between the genuine sentiments of the Bulgarian public and the actions of our political class. The political class in Bulgaria does not truly represent the views of the majority, which are often 'pro-Russian' by Western chauvinistic standards. The disconnect is stark, and many Bulgarians look to external saviors because of the significant deterioration we’ve experienced. This civilizational downgrade has left many feeling frustrated, aggressive, hopeless, cynical, and, unfortunately, more primitive in many respects.
Russia has made it clear that they won’t make the same sacrifices for Eastern Europe as they did after World War II. They perceive us as ungrateful for the role they played in our history and the sacrifices they made. This lack of gratitude and understanding of the historical process has led to a justifiable stance from Russia — they owe us nothing, given our political choices and actions. As a result, Russia views us as traitors and fools, incapable of making sound decisions. They have every right to demand some recognition of their historical role, but none is forthcoming from our side; on the contrary — we've just chopped up the Red Army monument in Sofia, haven't we? Consequently, Russia has no incentive or reason to come to our aid, and as far as they’re concerned, we can face the consequences of our choices decaying in misery and they'll just watch.
We must be intellectually and politically honest about our situation. It’s incredibly challenging to remain optimistic, but acknowledging the truth is the first step. We are in a very difficult situation, and it’s hard to see a way out.
I agree completely -- the first step towards positive change is acknowledging the truth. It is certainly unpleasant to acknowledge the reasons why Russia no longer gives a damn about us but we really can't blame them, as you detail. On some level I find it educational that we will essentially be forced to face the consequences of our own actions -- and inaction, seeing as voting turnout is so dismal -- and that, too, gives me some hope over the longer term. In a way similar to the climate change derangement, people will need to suffer before they wake up and smell reality. In our case, apparently, we'll be voting twice a year until we get a government that does represent the majority. I have no problem with that, to be honest, annoying as it is -- the alternative is bloody.
As I understand it Bulgarian sentiment towards Russia comes from Russian assistance in freeing BG in the late 1800s from centuries of Ottoman rule. But all that came out of the Communist years was corruption of public services which apparently still persists after the Soviet breakup. How do you tell what Bulgarians really want?
Dave, thank you for commenting here. It's important to recognize the depth and complexity of Bulgarian sentiment towards Russia. While the assistance in the late 19th century to help Bulgaria re-emerge after 500 years of Ottoman rule is a significant historical event, there is much more to the story.
The Russian-Turkish War had multiple motivations, including economic and geopolitical factors. However, one crucial motivation was the response to the Bulgarian April Uprising, which the Ottomans brutally crushed. This uprising was not expected to succeed militarily but was intended to expose the Ottoman Empire's true nature — a decaying, corrupt, and terroristic force. The violent Ottoman suppression of the uprising horrified Europe, and Russia was the only country to take decisive action, driven partly by empathy for the Bulgarian Slavic and Orthodox people. This brotherly attitude from Russia has deep historical roots and is a significant factor in our enduring sentiment towards them.
Regarding the communist years, it's important to recognize that for many Bulgarians, this period represented the most progressive and prosperous era in our modern history. The Soviet model implemented in Bulgaria led to extraordinary advancements in civilization within a few decades — achievements that took some Western countries centuries (really!) We saw the eradication of illiteracy, hunger, and poverty. Massive public investments were made in agriculture, infrastructure, and industry, transforming Bulgaria into a modern and educated society. The Bulgarian socialist army became a formidable force, with more tanks than the combined Turkish and Greek armies in the 70s and 80s. These accomplishments foster a sense of logical gratitude and recognition towards Russia.
Furthermore, there's a cultural and civilizational connection within the Orthodox world, stretching from Russia through Eastern Europe to Greece, including Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria and Serbia (+ the villages around it like North Macedonia or Montenegro.) This Orthodox 'bow' (as I like to refer to it) shares a brotherly attitude towards Russia as a cultural and civilizational metropolis. For Orthodox Slavs, Russia holds a natural place of significance and affinity.
In summary, Bulgarian sentiment towards Russia is deeply rooted in historical events, significant advancements during the communist era, and cultural connections within the Orthodox world. Understanding this context is essential to grasp the true nature of our relationship with Russia and what many Bulgarians genuinely feel and want.
As a Brit I am really not up to speed on BG history and its effect on the national psyche, so thanks for that. I can only comment on my experiences visiting the country and interchanges I’ve had with some of the locals. I’ve seen the broken down communist factories, asset stripped, ruined wine industry etc and the moving-in of global capitalist companies. The younger Bulgarians seem to approve. I see the replacement of local stuff (brand names etc) with the global - you are being Pepsi’d ! Yet local government seems to be infested with corrupt ex-communists, EU money diverted in their and their mates’ pockets, and away from honest Bulgarians. Gangsters abound - мутри? - Western firms have been frightened off, commercial murders have happened, the legal system is corrupt and dysfunctional. Whatever you say about historical Russian affinities seems to me to have been overtaken by Russian mafia tendencies which are fully-embedded and impossible to shift. As a result BG youth sees little future in such a corrupt infrastructure and are leaving the country as fast as they can.
You're absolutely correct on that, too! We cannot afford not to hold out hope and these conversations and the work people like you do, are indeed a step in the right direction.
Thank you, Boyan. I listen to and read your work with gratitude that you're elevating the reality of our region to an English-speaking audience.
Thank you for taking a stand against resurgent liberal Nazism. And yes, we have to start calling a spade a spade. Founded with a noble mission, NATO today has become a dangerous war machine infected by the virus of supremacy that survived Germany in 1945.
Excellent and very timely analysis! I agree with everything you say but the silence of the Bulgarian public is so discouraging. I'm sure the majority of the population is against confrontation with Russia and the current political direction of our country which is so foolishly and sheepishly aligned with unhinged Western "leaders" like Stoltenberg and von der Leyen. But still, where is the outrage? Even when it comes to voting, the turnout is laughable. I know the voting process and everything else is rigged but how can we complain and want a real change when we don't even go to cast our vote when we have the chance? Everybody, myself included is so desperate and hopeless because even when we were out in the streets protesting in huge numbers, all we got is even worse than Borisov. I have no idea at this point what the solution is other than bloody revolution and violence which is no better because it might turn out country in another Ukraine...
Thank you very much for taking the time to react to this article. I’m happy that we’re in agreement, although it’s quite disheartening that what we agree on is something as sad as the prevailing apathy, helplessness, cynicism, and carelessness that the Bulgarian public seems to demonstrate, even in the face of such an ultimate danger as the one described in the article. I share your frustration deeply. However, I still want to believe that change is possible. Your engagement and the discussions we have here are small steps toward that change. Let’s keep the conversation going and encourage more people to participate, both in discussions and at the polls.
Боян
Thank you for laying it all out so well. I really, really wish I could say you're just being dramatic, it can't be so bad but, alas, I cannot. I've also began to lose hope we can turn things around in a peaceful way, by voting. The argument I keep hearing from the totally disillusioned is "They're all bastards". Well, yes, there are no honest people in politics but you can choose the bastards who are not trying to turn you into a launch pad for WWIII. I fear, however, we are going to learn this lesson the hard way. My only hope is Russia's sentiment towards us, badly as our political filth of the past three years has undermined it. As an elderly neighbour said the other day "I'm waiting for Putin to come and pull our ears so we wake up." It is truly exasperating to keep relying on a saviour from abroad.
Irina, I share your frustration completely. To those outside the Eastern European, and particularly Bulgarian, context, our concerns might seem alarmist or overly dramatic, but this is our reality. We are indeed learning a hard lesson, the hard way.
I also hold onto the hope that Russians can see through the current political dynamics and distinguish between the genuine sentiments of the Bulgarian public and the actions of our political class. The political class in Bulgaria does not truly represent the views of the majority, which are often 'pro-Russian' by Western chauvinistic standards. The disconnect is stark, and many Bulgarians look to external saviors because of the significant deterioration we’ve experienced. This civilizational downgrade has left many feeling frustrated, aggressive, hopeless, cynical, and, unfortunately, more primitive in many respects.
Russia has made it clear that they won’t make the same sacrifices for Eastern Europe as they did after World War II. They perceive us as ungrateful for the role they played in our history and the sacrifices they made. This lack of gratitude and understanding of the historical process has led to a justifiable stance from Russia — they owe us nothing, given our political choices and actions. As a result, Russia views us as traitors and fools, incapable of making sound decisions. They have every right to demand some recognition of their historical role, but none is forthcoming from our side; on the contrary — we've just chopped up the Red Army monument in Sofia, haven't we? Consequently, Russia has no incentive or reason to come to our aid, and as far as they’re concerned, we can face the consequences of our choices decaying in misery and they'll just watch.
We must be intellectually and politically honest about our situation. It’s incredibly challenging to remain optimistic, but acknowledging the truth is the first step. We are in a very difficult situation, and it’s hard to see a way out.
Boyan
I agree completely -- the first step towards positive change is acknowledging the truth. It is certainly unpleasant to acknowledge the reasons why Russia no longer gives a damn about us but we really can't blame them, as you detail. On some level I find it educational that we will essentially be forced to face the consequences of our own actions -- and inaction, seeing as voting turnout is so dismal -- and that, too, gives me some hope over the longer term. In a way similar to the climate change derangement, people will need to suffer before they wake up and smell reality. In our case, apparently, we'll be voting twice a year until we get a government that does represent the majority. I have no problem with that, to be honest, annoying as it is -- the alternative is bloody.
“they are all bastards” seems to apply in many countries!
Good point!
As I understand it Bulgarian sentiment towards Russia comes from Russian assistance in freeing BG in the late 1800s from centuries of Ottoman rule. But all that came out of the Communist years was corruption of public services which apparently still persists after the Soviet breakup. How do you tell what Bulgarians really want?
Dave, thank you for commenting here. It's important to recognize the depth and complexity of Bulgarian sentiment towards Russia. While the assistance in the late 19th century to help Bulgaria re-emerge after 500 years of Ottoman rule is a significant historical event, there is much more to the story.
The Russian-Turkish War had multiple motivations, including economic and geopolitical factors. However, one crucial motivation was the response to the Bulgarian April Uprising, which the Ottomans brutally crushed. This uprising was not expected to succeed militarily but was intended to expose the Ottoman Empire's true nature — a decaying, corrupt, and terroristic force. The violent Ottoman suppression of the uprising horrified Europe, and Russia was the only country to take decisive action, driven partly by empathy for the Bulgarian Slavic and Orthodox people. This brotherly attitude from Russia has deep historical roots and is a significant factor in our enduring sentiment towards them.
Regarding the communist years, it's important to recognize that for many Bulgarians, this period represented the most progressive and prosperous era in our modern history. The Soviet model implemented in Bulgaria led to extraordinary advancements in civilization within a few decades — achievements that took some Western countries centuries (really!) We saw the eradication of illiteracy, hunger, and poverty. Massive public investments were made in agriculture, infrastructure, and industry, transforming Bulgaria into a modern and educated society. The Bulgarian socialist army became a formidable force, with more tanks than the combined Turkish and Greek armies in the 70s and 80s. These accomplishments foster a sense of logical gratitude and recognition towards Russia.
Furthermore, there's a cultural and civilizational connection within the Orthodox world, stretching from Russia through Eastern Europe to Greece, including Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria and Serbia (+ the villages around it like North Macedonia or Montenegro.) This Orthodox 'bow' (as I like to refer to it) shares a brotherly attitude towards Russia as a cultural and civilizational metropolis. For Orthodox Slavs, Russia holds a natural place of significance and affinity.
In summary, Bulgarian sentiment towards Russia is deeply rooted in historical events, significant advancements during the communist era, and cultural connections within the Orthodox world. Understanding this context is essential to grasp the true nature of our relationship with Russia and what many Bulgarians genuinely feel and want.
Boyan
As a Brit I am really not up to speed on BG history and its effect on the national psyche, so thanks for that. I can only comment on my experiences visiting the country and interchanges I’ve had with some of the locals. I’ve seen the broken down communist factories, asset stripped, ruined wine industry etc and the moving-in of global capitalist companies. The younger Bulgarians seem to approve. I see the replacement of local stuff (brand names etc) with the global - you are being Pepsi’d ! Yet local government seems to be infested with corrupt ex-communists, EU money diverted in their and their mates’ pockets, and away from honest Bulgarians. Gangsters abound - мутри? - Western firms have been frightened off, commercial murders have happened, the legal system is corrupt and dysfunctional. Whatever you say about historical Russian affinities seems to me to have been overtaken by Russian mafia tendencies which are fully-embedded and impossible to shift. As a result BG youth sees little future in such a corrupt infrastructure and are leaving the country as fast as they can.
You're absolutely correct on that, too! We cannot afford not to hold out hope and these conversations and the work people like you do, are indeed a step in the right direction.
Thank you, Boyan. I listen to and read your work with gratitude that you're elevating the reality of our region to an English-speaking audience.
Thank you for taking a stand against resurgent liberal Nazism. And yes, we have to start calling a spade a spade. Founded with a noble mission, NATO today has become a dangerous war machine infected by the virus of supremacy that survived Germany in 1945.