Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has broken with European consensus regarding a US-Russia diesel deal. Radev cited high fuel prices as a major problem for Europe, stating any measure to reduce them is appreciated. He also criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, aligning with the US position. This contrasts with other EU leaders who view the deal as a gift to Putin, with no reciprocal benefit for Ukraine. Radev's new government in Bulgaria is rolling back previous policies on Ukraine, including arms shipments. They advocate for a peace agenda rather than escalating the conflict with more weapons. This shift comes amid broader European debates on energy prices, competitiveness, and Chinese exports. Radev has also criticized EU green mandates, sanctions, and what he calls moral posturing. His Russia-friendly stance on the EU's southeastern flank is drawing significant attention in Brussels, Washington, and Kiev.