The only way to achieve peace is by pushing the Russian army out of Ukraine. Otherwise there would be a continuous conflict with instability and more casualties. This was what Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said during the GLOBSEC International Forum in Bratislava. In his speech, the Prime Minister pointed out that Ukrainians are fighting for Europe, so it is important for the European Union to be united in its support. Kiril Petkov also said that a strategic approach on the topic of infrastructure and connectivity of the continent is needed in order to fill the logistics gaps. He also announced that Bulgaria is to repair 80 Ukrainian tanks.

The sixth package of sanctions against Russia was approved by the permanent representatives of the EU Member States. Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kiril, who was initially in the list of sanctioned persons because of his support for the war, was later excluded from the list at Hungary's request. The package envisages cutting 90% of Russian oil imports by the end of the year, but provides for a number of country-specific exceptions to the embargo. Bulgaria will continue to buy Russian oil until the end of 2024, PM Kiril Petkov has already announced. The decision will be adopted today and will be published in the Official Journal of the EU.

In a video address on the 100th day of the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said there was no significant change in the situation in Severodonetsk, where the most intense fighting is taking place. He added that the United States would send highly mobile artillery missile systems to Ukraine.