Bulgarian Vice President Margarita Popova has ruled out the scenario of the crisis in Ukraine escalating into a war.

"Nobody is interested in fighting a war. We must not forget that the current political situation there is highly unstable, there is too much division in the country, and it is worrying that nobody is working to unite the people. It is important that the Ukrainian people decide their fate and that the integrity of the country is preserved," Popova stated in a Monday interview for the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

She suggested that the mere talk of a war put extra pressure on the situation.

"First of all, we, including Europe and the rest of the world, must take care to preserve the integrity of the country and stem violence. Talks must be held, including with the EU, Russia, and US, to find the right solution, instead of asking ourselves whether Russian or NATO troops will be marching on the territory of a sovereign country. I find this totally absurd," Popova explained.

She went on to say that Bulgaria had to be ready to welcome its compatriots living in Bessarabia, should they decided to come back.

Popova underscored the importance of an active policy on minorities on an EU level.

"Bulgaria is a homeland and motherland. We cannot possibly have any other stance than being ready to welcome them if they decide to come back. There is no doubt about that," Bulgaria's Vice President declared, stressing the need for Bulgaria to speak about its minorities in Brussels instead of just waiting to be told what would happen.