Situation in Bulgaria

Romania and Moldova are much closer targets.  Russia already has the separatist territory of Transnistria within Moldova.  I think they would be advancing there before thinking of Bulgaria.  Russia thought they were going to roll in and take Ukraine in days....and here we are now and they have suffered major losses and been driven back substantially.....

I wouldn't worry about immigrating to Bulgaria based on your brother's comment, nor worry about the safety in the area.  My wife's family live in Iasi, Romania...which is 35 min from the border with Moldova and 1+ hr from Ukraine.  The city now has many Ukrainian refugees living and transiting there, but they feel secure enough.

The moment they attack a NATO country (to which Bulgaria belongs), Article 5 gets triggered and Russia would really be in a whole other heap of trouble militarily.

Romaniac 

@romaniac

thank you! i needed a rational person to tell me exactly that. Being a single parent i have no one to bounce silly irrational  thoughts off of.

i sis think bukgaria are part of nato.

thank you again

@Suzi Masterson

Have no fear!   Bulgaria is as close to a puppet state of America as South American countries in the late 1950’s.     The US Embassy in Sofia is among the largest Embassy complexes in the world.   

The US Embassy contains middle eastetn and Russian monitoring with the most sophisticated communication, surveillance possible in the world today   Bulgaria is both strategic and tactical for America. In this part of the world  A US a marine base is being established in Varna, and it is well known that Bulgaria is doing the bidding of its American Masters.  I am former military in the United States and a US Expat living in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is a NATO alliance member, as well as a member of the EU. Other non NATO surrounding countries are not quite so lucky

Likely, you will see Bulgarian’s fighting in the Ukraine in the near future.   Russia has already achieved its strategic objective of taking over port control of the black sea as well as monitoring and inhibiting grain shipments from the Ukraine. 

Propaganda from both sides is everywhere and it’s difficult to see who will become the victor in the current conflict.  The goal of America is to keep the conflict going for as many years as possible.    That does not mean that other than bulgaria sending support as they are already doing there is no reason to think that Bulgaria will be attacked by Russia.   

Hello everyone,

I remind you all that political comments are not allowed on our forums.

I would request members to refrain posting their political analysis or opinions on  the forum. We are a platform dedicated to Expatriation and and wish to remain so.

Thank you

Bhavna

I would be more worried about China starting WWIII before I'd worry about Russia attacking an EU/NATO country.

@Suzi Masterson

Unfortunately no one can predict the future, I really can't see Russia wanting to invade Bulgaria. They were here years ago and pulled out, so it's best to get on with our lives and enjoy what we have.

We live near to the Kardam border with Romania.....

Im an hour from the border, I'll give you a ring if they ever get here!

@Everyone

The question of the topic was about the safety of living in Bulgaria in light of the Ukraine/Russia conflict.  Please keep the comments focused on SAFETY please and refrain from making geopolitical arguments that do not address safety, as they violate the Forum Code of Conduct.

We're not here to argue or state who is pro/against any country.  The aim is to give practical advice to an expat looking to relocate to Bulgaria.  Bhavna, our Moderator has echoed this plea already.

Thanks,

Romaniac

Suzi, I've had many people say similar to me about moving. Our place is very close to the border with Romania and less than 50 miles from the coast. I can understand people's concern. What's we're shown is happening in other places is horrifying and we don't want similar for our peaceful villages.

But I think the people who say this aren't aware of geography. As @romaniac said, any invading land forces would have to get through Moldova and Romania first, and I doubt Romania will be any more a walkover than Ukraine is proving.

Considering the problems Russian forces have in Ukraine, it is highly unlikely that they will have the resources to go further.

Besides, the political situation is quite uncomfortable for their leaders and they would be rather looking for a way to get out of this trouble, instead of aggravating it.

And finally there's NATO, which would be more than angry if anyone tries to attack one of its members.

@Suzi Masterson. Hi Suzi,  Here's a different perspective...   I live in Varna.  I'm marred to a Bulgarian lady, who is half Russian.  There are many Russians living here in Varna and, indeed, elsewhere in Bulgaria.  We feel entirely safe as far as an invasion from Russia goes - we don't think it will happen.  However, what worries us more, is the nuclear aspect.  If full blown nukes are used by either, or both sides, then it's curtains for the entire Northern Hemisphere, regardless of whether you live in the UK, Western or Eastern Europe.  That said, we think there would be a better chance of survival here in Bulgaria, with time to move elsewhere - remember, the UK is a prime target.    Another issue, is the contamination of the Black Sea, by radiation, from nuclear pollution.  There is a ship that sunk, carrying smallish nuclear weapons, that could contaminate the water.  I believe Turkey has taken charge of its salvage.  Another issue is oil pollution, whereby oil has spilt into the Black Sea.   So far in Varna we've been okay and this year has been a bumper year for tourism - even six of my friends from London visited, but we dread Black Sea pollution, as we run an Airbnb and a polluted sea would severely damage tourism.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about moving to BG, I think everything will be fine and I wish you all the very best when moving!

Ian