“Peace treaties are written by the winners.” This remark by Rumen Radev, with which he commented on the proposals for an end to the war in Ukraine, caused a wide public response. Who, if not historians, knows best when and what treaties the winners sign and, most importantly, where justice goes. The topic was commented on by historian Prof. Evelina Kelbecheva in the program “Offensive with Lyubo Ognyanov” on NOVA NEWS
Prof. Kelbecheva recalled that few nations like the Bulgarians have such a dramatic experience with treaties dictated by the winners. “San Stefano is an absolute myth. Russia is creating a cruel mythology about Bulgarians and throwing dust in their eyes,” she said.
The professor emphasizes that Russian geopolitics consistently uses Bulgaria as a tool on the path to control. Secret agreements, unfinished arbitrations and unfulfilled promises lead to a series of national catastrophes, the consequences of which we still feel today. “This is Russia’s geopolitics. We are simply on its way to the straits and the dream of a warm sea,” she added.
Kelbecheva also drew attention to the European diplomatic tradition – from the Congress of Vienna after Napoleon to the 19th century efforts to resolve conflicts through negotiations. “This is the period of Europe’s greatest prosperity. Unlike the 20th century – "a century of two world wars," she reminded.
She drew a parallel between the 1938 Munich Conference, when the Western powers allowed Hitler to annex the Sudetenland, and the current "peace plans," which involve territorial concessions from Ukraine. "Putin even uses the expression "living space." The analogies are obvious," she pointed out.
According to the historian, the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, which guaranteed the territorial integrity of Ukraine in exchange for its nuclear disarmament, clearly shows that "Russia is violating its own signed commitments."
“In today's conflict, there is one aggressor and one victim. "Russia acts with a position of strength, arrogance and systematic falsification of history," stated Prof. Kelebchieva categorically.
According to her, President Radev's thesis that "the victors write the peace treaties" is part of pro-Russian rhetoric, incompatible with Bulgaria's values as a member of the EU and NATO. According to her, such statements actually mean a call for Ukraine's capitulation.