This week's harsh comments of Russian state officials criticising Bulgaria's President Rosen Plevneliev, calling the Defence Minister “one Shalamanov” and accusing PM Bliznashki of “betrayal”, leave the impression that Russian officials have lost their nerve.

And it is not for lack of occasions. First it was the suspension of the South Stream pipeline, then it was the “Outlook 2020” strategic defence document. The cherry on the pie was the crushing defeat of the “Russophile” parties at the early elections on October 5.

If the majority of previous comments of Moscow officials, mostly on the newest “decoration” of the controversial Soviet army monument in downtown Sofia, can be easily dismissed as harmless drivel, this week's salvoes border on arrogant patronising.

But it comes as no surprise that Moscow acts as the playground bully who orders people around and calls all the shots, especially in Bulgaria. - Many actions of previous Bulgarian governments and the rhetoric of some politicians and party leaders in the country suggest that it is rightfully considered a “Russian trojan horse” and “Russia's fifth column”.

The reply of Bulgaria's caretaker Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov that “Bulgaria is a sovereign state that takes independent decisions on its security. They are not subject to comment from high officials of other countries.” came as a nice slap on the wrist.

It is worth occasionally reminding both ourselves and everyone else that now Bulgaria is a member of the EU and NATO and has chosen a different path, in spite of the attempts of Russia to rope us back into its sphere of influence and the dregs of Russian propaganda sloshing around in the internet forums and social media, trying to suggest otherwise.

The EU may not be the ideal union, but the Eurasian Union is hardly better. Especially if it is led by an arrogant playground bully.