https://x.com/MFABGWatch/status/2060...621114100?s=20
PM Rumen Radev announced that Bulgaria will extend the stay of U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport only until the end of June, linking the decision to ongoing discussions with Washington over visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens.
Speaking ahead of a Council of Ministers meeting, Radev recalled that he had personally raised the issue of U.S. visa requirements during his recent conversation with President Donald Trump.
🗣️ “So far I have not received a positive response. I fully understand the complexity of the legal procedures and the need for time, but we also have our own priorities and procedures.”
Radev stated that Bulgaria is therefore unable to approve a long-term extension of the tanker deployment and will instead grant a one-month extension through the end of June.
🗣️ “We cannot respond positively to the request for a long stay of the tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport.”
According to the Prime Minister, the extension is intended to provide the United States sufficient time to plan its next steps and identify an alternative location if necessary.
The remarks represent the clearest indication yet that the Bulgarian government is seeking to use ongoing bilateral discussions to increase pressure for progress on Bulgaria's long-standing objective of joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
Authorisation for up to 15 aircraft to be deployed at Sofia. Currently reported detachment is 9 x KC-135/KC-46.
https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/..._source=openai