On Wednesday, 28 October 2026 at 21:41, presidential candidate Iliana Iotova and her running mate Kiril Valchev met with potential voters in Pazardzhik, Southern Bulgaria, where Iotova declared she would never allow Bulgarian armed forces to leave for Ukraine if elected president.
In her remarks, Iotova stressed that the only correct approach to the crisis in Ukraine is immediate negotiations and that the security architecture of the European Union and of Europe as a whole depends on general peace. She called for a moratorium on hostilities, the sinking of ships, and drone attacks in the Black Sea, noting the need for international coordination to impose such a cease‑fire.
The candidate also urged the country to preserve its national identity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Bulgarian education, culture and folklore as a foundation for a sustainable value system among young people. She said geopolitical stability and foreign‑policy balance were key priorities for her presidency.
“Unlike those who say these are relics of the past, our view is that this patriotism is needed precisely now so that our children can have strong roots, and whatever may happen to them – no matter what storms may befall them – these roots will protect them and give them the self‑confidence of being heirs to a country exceptionally rich in culture and history.”
Following her speech, Iotova reiterated that immediate diplomatic talks were the proper solution to the ongoing conflict and that Bulgaria would focus on enhancing its own security while contributing to European stability. The candidate’s pledge to keep Bulgarian troops at home and to strengthen national culture were highlighted as central themes of her campaign letter in Pazardzhik.”}
