The news comes as Bulgaria has declared 70 Russian officials “persona non grata” on charges of espionage incompatible with their diplomatic missions. Prime Minister Kiril Petkov justified the move, saying: “This is what happens when foreign governments try to interfere in Bulgaria’s internal affairs.”
The decision was made on the basis of information gathered by the Bulgarian secret services, which declined to comment further.
Still, Putin has reacted angrily, giving Bulgaria until noon today to reverse the decision or risk the idea of serious diplomatic ties between Moscow and Sofia.
Speaking of the move, Russian ambassador to Bulgaria, Eleonora Mitrofanova, made it clear that Russia could recall all 114 diplomats and close the embassy and consulates altogether.
She said: “Russia is considering serious diplomatic relations with Bulgaria over the scandal involving the expelled 70 Russian diplomats.”
The top official said Bulgaria’s actions were considered “unprecedented” by Moscow.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Russia’s demand had been sent to the ministry via a diplomatic note.
Russia has accused the UK and US of controlling political decisions made in Bulgaria, with Ms Mitrofanova saying that London and Washington “ruled the line”.
The Bulgarian prime minister has said Russian diplomats are expected to leave the country on Saturday on a specially chartered flight back to Russia.
Pressure is now being put on Mr Petkov to go ahead with the move, despite his resignation following a recent no-confidence vote.
Mr Petkov acknowledged deep historical ties between Sofia and Moscow and said the relations were long-lasting, layered and of great importance.
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Tsarist Russia liberated Bulgaria after the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1879 after five centuries of Ottoman rule by the Bulgarian people. Many Bulgarians regard the Russians as a brotherly people.
Mr Petkov said: “We respect the Russian people and value our cultural, historical, social and trade and economic ties.
“Therefore, although the Bulgarian presence in our embassy in Russia is only 12 people, the Russian embassy in Bulgaria will have the option to retain 43 employees, according to the decision taken by the Bulgarian government on Wednesday.”
He continued: “We are convinced that Bulgarian-Russian relations can continue to develop in areas of mutual interest, respecting the values that are important to each of our countries.
“We therefore call on the Embassy of the Russian Federation to withdraw the note submitted today.”
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Bulgaria is one of many former nations in Europe that were under the Soviet Union’s sphere of influence during the Cold War.
Historical ties still have a significant impact in Bulgaria, especially when it comes to Russia.
Despite their country being a NATO member, Bulgarians have significant geopolitical hesitations, according to the latest Alpha Research poll.
Only 39 percent of Bulgarians want the country to become an ally of the West in a new Cold War, while 23 percent are pushing for an alliance with Russia and Belarus.
Nearly 30 percent are unsure which side they would support, even though the majority vote for parties with a Euro-Atlantic agenda.
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