Chancellor Friedrich Merz of the CDU views Bulgaria, and specifically the new Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radew, as supportive of Ukraine. Merz stated on Monday, following a meeting with Radew at the Chancellery, that he is “pleased and thankful” that Bulgaria wishes to “walk the path of pressure on Russia in European solidarity”. The Chancellor added that the fact that Europe has achieved a “new unity and determination” since the new Hungarian government took office “will bring us a little closer to peace”. Radew has previously been seen as close to Moscow and has frequently expressed criticism of the European Union and its military support for Ukraine. However, since his electoral victory in April, Radew has been noticeably more moderate on this topic.