Bulgarian Acting Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky took part in a memorial ceremony in Bucha, marking the victims of the Russian army's invasion of the town, where more than 630 people were killed following the start of the war. The event coincided with a special meeting of EU foreign ministers attended by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, as part of broader diplomatic activity linked to Ukraine.

Neynsky was also part of the Bulgarian delegation led by . During that visit, the two sides signed a 10-year security cooperation agreement, outlining long-term bilateral commitments.

Speaking to BNT, Neynsky reflected on the visit to Bucha, describing the experience as deeply emotional and shaped by the reality that civilians are still living through war conditions. She said that for many Ukrainians, war is not something they only read about, but a daily reality marked by pain, resilience, and determination, while also noting their continued focus on life after the conflict.

She added that the visit highlighted the cost of freedom and compared it with earlier generations? understanding of war through books and history. According to her, Ukraine is defending its territory, its population, and the future of its children, and this dimension was a central message of the Bucha commemorations.

Responding to questions about Bulgaria's policy, she said the visit went beyond general support for Ukraine and focused on future cooperation once peace is achieved. She pointed to potential joint work in reconstruction, infrastructure, transport, energy, and defense industries.

Neynsky also highlighted Ukraine's rapid development of military technologies during the war, referring to drone systems showcased at Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, including the large drone nicknamed ?Baba Yaga? by Russian forces, which she said has had a significant impact on the battlefield. She described this technological progress as a basis for future cooperation between the two countries.

She further noted the importance of cooperation in education, the presence of Bulgarian communities and people with Bulgarian identity in Ukraine, and the role of Ukrainians living in Bulgaria as a bridge between the two societies. She also mentioned discussions on countering disinformation and hybrid threats as part of broader strategic cooperation.

In a separate statement, Bulgaria's Defense Ministry reported that Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov held talks in Kyiv with Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov during the Bulgarian delegation's visit led by Prime Minister Gyurov. Both sides welcomed the 10-year security agreement signed between Bulgaria and Ukraine, describing it as a framework for expanded cooperation in defense, innovation, research, and development.

Zapryanov reaffirmed Bulgaria's continued political support for Ukraine in achieving what he described as a just peace. The talks also focused on the role of Bulgaria's Defense Innovation Centre and the possibility of testing Bulgarian technologies at Ukraine's BRAVE1 platform.

The ministers additionally discussed cooperation under the EU's SAFE instrument, as well as potential joint production of 155 mm artillery shells. Deputy defense ministers from both countries also took part in the meeting, underlining the institutional level of engagement between Sofia and Kyiv.