Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Foreign Ministry summons Russia’s ambassador over espionage scandal, she refuses

H.E. Eleonora Mitrofanova

Eleonora Mitrofanova, Ambassador of the Russian Federation has been summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the Russian espionage scandal but has refused and will send a deputy, Lena Borislavova, head of the political cabinet of PM Kiril Petkov announced at a briefing at the Council of Ministers.

She stated that the government is aware of the circumstances surrounding the investigation, and is working together with the services, while Prime Minister Kiril Petkov is coordinating the work of the Foreign Ministry. Lena Borislavova stated further that the need is being looked into of identifying other individuals who may be calling into question their diplomatic status because they are exercising functions other than diplomatic functions.

“Over the escalation of the situation between Russia and Ukraine, the Bulgarian services are on higher alert and are examining all spheres relevant to our national security,” she said.  

Brigadier-General Valentin Tsankov is among the people suspected of spying for Russia, bTV reports. According to the prosecutor’s office, the Russian diplomat acted in collusion with a Bulgarian citizen – a retired general with access to classified information concerning NATO and the EU. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Christo Grozev

Bulgaria's Christo Grozev receives European Journalist of the Year award at PRIX EUROPA festival

Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev was honored as European Journalist of the Year at the official ceremony of the PRIX EUROPA festival in Berlin. Bulgarian investigative journalist Christo Grozev named European Journalist of the..

published on 10/11/25 9:44 AM

Bulgarian Red Cross launches campaign to assist 640,000 socially disadvantaged citizens

From 13 October until 28 November, the Bulgarian Red Cross will hand out products, purchased by the Social Assistance Agency, to vulnerable citizens, the press centre of the organization has announced. The initiative is part of the “Food and basic..

published on 10/11/25 9:25 AM

Marathon themed "Let's Outrun Dementia" to be held in Sofia's South Park for 7th time

An amateur marathon under the motto "Let's Outrun Dementia" will be held at 9 am in Sofia's South Park on October 11 . The initiative is by the civil association "Alzheimer Bulgaria" and aims to encourage active living as a prevention against..

published on 10/11/25 7:35 AM