Moscow sounds alarm over NATO’s growing military footprint in Bulgaria

The Russian Foreign Ministry has cautioned that the planned expansion of NATO’s military contingent in Bulgaria is likely to exacerbate the already fragile military-political landscape in Europe and significantly undermine trust within the Black Sea region.

Maria Zakharova, the official spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, made the remarks during a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

She underscored that NATO’s decision to bolster its presence in Bulgaria will only serve to heighten regional tensions rather than foster stability.

“Such NATO actions (increasing presence in Bulgaria) lead to a further escalation of the military-political situation in Europe and will certainly not contribute to strengthening trust in the Black Sea region,” Zakharova stated emphatically.

The warning comes amid growing geopolitical friction surrounding NATO’s posture near Russian borders, where Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern over the alliance’s expansion and military activities. The Russian government views these moves as provocative and destabilizing, particularly given the strategic importance of the Black Sea region for regional security dynamics.

By Vafa Guliyeva