Russia

Ukrainian Ambassador to Bulgaria Mykola Baltazhy has said that his country expects maximum support from NATO.

In a Sunday interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, he made clear that Ukraine’s request did not involve sending troops to the country but rather military and technical aid. The envoy noted that talks with EU were also underway.

Bulgaria will make a commitment to increase army funding from 1.33% to 1.5% of the GDP, seeking to reach 2% of the GDP by 2020, according to President Rosen Plevneliev.

Plevneliev commented on the upcoming NATO summit to be held in Wales on September 4-5. Bulgaria’s head of state noted that the other NATO countries were expected to make the same financial commitment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Aug. 31 dramatically raised the stakes in the Ukraine conflict by calling for the first time for statehood to be considered for the restive east of the former Soviet state.

NEW YORK - Serbian female tennis player Aleksandra Krunic defeated the double Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in the Saturday match, 6-4, 6-4, and thus qualified for the U.S. Open third round.

The EU has threatened to expand sanctions against Russia in a week unless it takes steps to alleviate tension in Ukraine.

The EU leaders have issued a joint statement demanding that Russia "immediately withdraw all its military assets and forces from Ukraine."

European Union leaders on Aug. 31 gave Russia a week to reverse course in Ukraine or face a new round of sanctions as Kiev warned it was on the brink of "full-scale war" with Moscow.

Fears are growing that the confrontation on the EU's eastern borders could engulf the whole continent after Russia sent troops to back a new offensive by pro-Kremlin rebels in southeastern Ukraine.

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev has suggested that Bulgaria will be assigned a strong portfolio and will enjoy a much more vocal and dignified representation in the next European Commission.

Italian Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini was appointed on Saturday as the European Union’s new foreign policy chief.

European leaders also chose Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk as the new President of the European Council, the current President Herman Van Rompuy announced in tweets at the EU summit in Brussels.

The South Stream Transport JV has said a pipelaying ship is expected to berth at the Bulgarian port of Burgas on Sunday for works relating to the Moscow-backed gas pipeline.

BELGRADE, NEW YORK – Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said that Belgrade is ready to continue the dialogue with Pristina, and stressed that Kosovo is in no position to lecture anyone on international law.