Bulgaria publishes shocking data after expulsion of Russian diplomats

The Bulgarian secret services have information that Russia pays about 2,000 euros a month to public figures, journalists and politicians for the dissemination of its propaganda in the country.

This was stated by the representative of the Bulgarian government Lena Borislavova, writes Euractiv.

Details

According to her, the money was handed over to Bulgarian politicians, well-known journalists, analysts, political scientists and other persons appearing in the state media. The Russian state paid them for shaping public opinion.

“To all of you who spit on the EU and NATO for free, and also support Putin’s actions in Ukraine, know. You’re screwed. Those who inspire you to do this are paid. Monthly,” she added.

Lena Borislavova also noted that some speakers are accustomed to “mislead the public and play on delusions and fears.” She said foreign interests “disguised as national interests” are a red line for her party.

Expulsion of diplomats

In addition, the representative of the Bulgarian government commented on the demand of Russian Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova to the Bulgarian government to refuse to expel 70 diplomats and employees of the Russian mission in Bulgaria.

So, Mitrofanova announced that the embassy could be closed. In turn, Lena Borislavova objected that Russia cannot declare Bulgaria a hostile country and unilaterally cut off their gas, despite the existing agreements, and “not expect a violent reaction from Sofia.”

AP wrote that on July 3, two Russian planes took off from Bulgaria with dozens of members of the Russian diplomatic services and their families amid mass expulsions from the country.

Russian diplomat Philip Voskresensky told reporters that he was among 70 Russian diplomatic officials declared persona non grata last week and ordered to leave the country.

Bulgaria’s decision to expel was announced by Acting Prime Minister Kirill Petkov, who took a tough stance against Russia following its February 24 invasion of Ukraine. However, Petkov said that Russia would keep 43 of its staff after the expulsion, and noted that Bulgaria had only 12 diplomatic staff in Moscow.

“All who work against the interests of Bulgaria will be called to return to the country they came from,” he said.

It is noted that the expulsion is the largest number of Russian diplomats expelled by Bulgaria, which is a member of the European Union and NATO. At the same time, the EU stated that it “fully supports and stands in solidarity with Bulgaria.”

Earlier, the Segodnya website reported that Russian diplomats at the UN began to expose the Putin regime. We also wrote that Russia is expelling eight Japanese diplomats.