Bulgarian Fighter Captured in Ukraine After Serving With Russian Forces (VIDEO)
A Bulgarian national fighting on the Russian side has been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces during combat operations in eastern Ukraine,
Bulgarian Ex-Min: Atomstoyexport Claim Is 'Weak Move'
- Tweet
Send to Kindle
Traicho Traikov, Bulgarian ex-Minister of Economy and Energy. Photo by BGNES
Atomstroyexport's EUR 1 B claim against Bulgaria for scrapping the Belene NPP is "a very weak move," according to former Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Traicho Traikov.
"I think that was a very weak move. They made a poor serve and now Bulgaria only has to slam the ball into their field," said Traikov Wednesday in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio.
He explained that Bulgaria not only has very good arguments against the claim, but it could also use it as a ground to completely terminate the Belene NPP project.
"The Russian company has been in breach of many clauses of signed contracts so I think we have all chances to win the case," said Traikov.
The former Bulgarian Energy Minister said that he had hoped for a "friendly" parting of the parties on the project, which could minimize losses for both.
Traikov further commented that according to him Bulgaria does not need a new NPP, but must work hard at expanding the lives of already existing Units 5 and 6 of the Kozloduy NPP.
He said that his analysis shows that this would satisfy Bulgaria's energy needs for the coming 30 years.
Current Bulgarian Minister of Economy and Energy Delyan Dobrev has also said he is confident that his country will win the case, which is set to be decided at the International Court of Arbitration in Paris.
Related Articles:
New White House Project Supervisor Linked to Foundation with Bulgarian and Russian Connections
Rodney Mims Cook Jr., the newly appointed chairman of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts (CFA), is overseeing the project for the new White House Ballroom
Politics | February 12, 2026, Thursday // 11:24
“Loyal EU Member” Bulgaria Under Fire from Russian Ambassador over Serbia Gas Talks
Russian Ambassador to Serbia Alexander Botsan-Kharchenko delivered sharp criticism of Bulgaria, highlighting its EU membership as a complicating factor in the delivery of Russian gas to Serbia
Activists Claim Discovery of Russian Paramilitary Site in Bulgarian Village
The civil association BOEC has announced the alleged discovery of a site linked to the Russian private military company Wagner near the Bulgarian village of Kladnitsa in Pernik region.
Politics | February 9, 2026, Monday // 11:12
Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil Led Liturgy with Russian Ambassador Mitrofanova and Former Tsar Simeon
His Holiness Patriarch Daniil, the Bulgarian Patriarch and Metropolitan of Sofia, led a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Russian church-courtyard “St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra” to mark the 10th anniversary of the canonization of Saint Seraphim (
Politics | February 3, 2026, Tuesday // 13:29
Russian Drones Slaughter Ukrainian Miners on Bus in Deadly Civilian Attack
A Russian drone attack on a company bus transporting civilian mine workers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has killed at least 12 people and injured 16 others, Ukrainian authorities and the energy company DTEK reported on February 1
Bulgaria's Outgoing Energy Minister Calls Lukoil Derogation a “Victory for Economic Stability”
Outgoing Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov described the extension of the general license for Lukoil subsidiaries in Bulgaria until August 13 as more than a bureaucratic formality, calling it a key measure of economic stability for the country.
United Kingdom Prolongs Lukoil License for Operations in Bulgaria
The United Kingdom has decided to extend the validity of the general license covering Lukoil’s subsidiaries operating in Bulgaria, the Ministry of Energy announced.
Bulgaria’s Black Sea Gas Hunt: Han Asparuh Well Comes Up Dry, Next Drill Planned
The initial drilling effort in the Han Asparuh block (offshore oil and gas exploration area) of the Bulgarian Black Sea, named Vineh-1, did not uncover significant natural gas reserves, according to Offshore-energy
Bulgaria Launches Sweeping Inspections of Energy Companies Over Rising Electricity Bills
Starting today, the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission (EKVR) are conducting extraordinary inspections of electricity distribution companies and end suppliers,
Bulgaria’s Fuel Market Stable, but Gray Sector and Export Ban Raise Concerns
In Bulgaria, fuel prices remain largely unchanged, with the international oil market continuing to respond to tensions between the United States and Iran.
EU Renewable Energy Use Grows, While Bulgaria Sees Significant Decline
Bulgaria is among the EU countries that experienced a notable drop in the use of renewable energy for heating and cooling in 2024, with the share declining by 1.9 percentage points compared to the previous year.
