A new diplomatic appointment could quickly open another route for energy cooperation between Sofia and Kyiv, with broader plans already taking shape.
Bulgaria is considering increasing natural gas transit to Ukraine through its territory. To that end, Sofia is ready to hold joint consultations with the Ukrainian side.
The new Bulgarian ambassador to Ukraine, Zlatin Krastev, announced his readiness for negotiations after presenting his credentials to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Bulgaria is ready for joint consultations to explore ways of increasing the volume of natural gas transit through Bulgaria to Ukraine
– Zlatin Krastev
Energy Cooperation Between Bulgaria and Ukraine
According to Zlatin Krastev, the Bulgarian government seeks to rapidly step up cooperation with Kyiv in the energy sector. This concerns not only gas transit, but also broader cooperation in areas of strategic importance to both countries.
Sofia also intends to strengthen political dialogue with Ukraine, develop economic ties, and implement joint projects.
Presentation of Credentials in Kyiv
Zlatin Krastev was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to Ukraine by a decree of the Bulgarian president dated November 19, 2025. Previously, he served as deputy minister of defense and worked at Bulgaria’s Permanent Delegation to NATO.
On August 18, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors of Bulgaria, Estonia, India, and Germany. The meeting marked the beginning of Zlatin Krastev’s official diplomatic work in Ukraine.