European Union leadership must open diplomatic channels with Moscow to end the war in Ukraine and prevent a catastrophic nuclear escalation. That stark warning was delivered by Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev at a Brussels defence gathering, where he challenged the prevailing orthodoxies of Western strategy.
A Critique of ‘Peace Through Force’
Speaking at Euronews’ Defence and Space Summit, Radev argued that continuous shipments of military hardware to Kyiv represent a flawed “peace through force” strategy. He maintained that this approach ignores the stark realities of the world’s largest nuclear arsenal, asserting that the final resolution to the war will emerge from diplomacy rather than ongoing arms deliveries.
Russia currently controls roughly 4,400 stockpiled nuclear warheads, with 1,796 deployed for strategic use. Radev criticized the prevailing approach in Brussels, noting that leaders are attempting a conventional victory over a major nuclear power without adequately assessing the ultimate risks. The problem is that no one is raising the question about nuclear risk. Does it exist? Maybe not, I don’t know, but this is a risk,
he went on. We always need to think about the worst-case scenario. Are we prepared for this? Does anybody speak about risk assessment? Does it exist at all? Because we have been trying to achieve a conventional victory over the biggest nuclear power.
To emphasize his point, he referenced recent statements from Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Lavrov described a potential conflict between Russia and Europe as very short and entirely different—remarks that have been widely interpreted as implicit nuclear threats.
European leaders debate military support versus diplomatic engagement
The debate in Brussels centers on contrasting strategies for European security. While countries like Bulgaria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Austria advocate for communication channels, mainstream policy continues to prioritize military support. From his election earlier in the year, Radev forms part of a minority advocating for closer diplomatic engagement to conclude the full-scale invasion.
Radev warned that European institutions lack sufficient defenses against advanced supersonic weaponry. He added that leadership is failing to calculate the danger of an irreversible escalation. The Bulgarian leader emphasized that Russia possesses the largest atomic arsenal on the planet and would be prone to utilizing its nuclear capabilities if cornered or severely weakened. There is a nuclear card,
the Bulgarian premier said, noting that Russia would be prone to play it if weakened or cornered. We need to have this into account. And this is part of the game calculation.
Despite rejecting the Kremlin’s threatening rhetoric, Radev maintained that Europe cannot simply close its eyes to the nuclear weapons stationed on the continent.
Russia blocks ceasefires while Sofia faces scrutiny over sanctions
Efforts to broker temporary ceasefires or initiate substantive negotiations have repeatedly stalled as Russia has blocked the Black Sea and launched continuous airstrikes against Ukrainian cities. The White House and various European ministries have found little willingness from Moscow to compromise on maximalist demands, and recent talks between German officials and Russian representatives ended in sharp recriminations.
At home, the Bulgarian government continues to face scrutiny over its stance. Sofia previously vetoed sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, drawing accusations of maintaining pro-Russian sympathies—a label Radev has rejected.
As hybrid attacks target European countries to erode public support for Ukraine, the question of when or if Brussels will pivot toward formal diplomatic engagement remains entirely unanswered by EU leadership.
Related reading