The Bulgarian president took part in an unauthorized pro-Russian march

The municipality of Sofia refused to allow the “immortal regiment” march, based in part on information provided by the counterintelligence service.

However, the march took place with the participation of the president.

“Today is the day when we honor the few remaining Bulgarian veterans who took part in the Second World War, the thousands of Bulgarians who took part in this war, the thousands who gave their lives for the victory over Nazism. Thanks to their sacrifices, the path to today’s peaceful and united Europe was opened,” Radev told journalists after the march.

Vice President Ilyana Yotova and Russian Ambassador to Sofia Eleonora Mitrofanova also took part in the march.

More than 200 people took part in the march, commemorating the victory over Nazi Germany and chanting slogans in support of Russia.

Because of the ban, they walked on the sidewalk instead of the roadway.

Radev laid flowers at the monument to the unknown soldier, and then the procession moved to the garden in the center of Sofia, where the monument to the Soviet Army was located until the end of 2023.

Several pro-Russian politicians had gathered there.

“There will be a monument to the Soviet army here again, and all those who tried to desecrate it, cut it, destroy it will have to bear the responsibility. By all legal means, we will force them to restore it, put it back on the pedestal from which they illegally removed it, against the will of the Bulgarian people,” said pro-Russian politician Maya Manolova.

Manolova, Vanya Grigorova and Georgi Kadiev, all representing the electoral coalition “Solidarna Bulgaria”, spray-painted the words “There will be a monument again” with red spray paint on the fence that marks the monument’s former location.

Later, Radev and Yotova attended the European Union (EU) flag-raising ceremony at the presidential palace, which was held in honor of Europe Day.