Every day in Bulgarian history holds a story worth remembering. In this recurring series, On This Day in Bulgaria, we look back at notable events, decisions, and milestones that happened on this date across the country’s history.
August 25, 1877 — Commendations for the Volunteers
General Radetsky submitted his formal account of the Shipka battle to Russian military headquarters, singling out the Bulgarian Opulchenie volunteers for particular praise. His dispatches described how unarmed or lightly armed Bulgarian fighters had held critical positions through sheer willpower, and recommended that their commanders be decorated. The reports helped cement the international reputation of Bulgarian fighters and gave weight to arguments for Bulgarian statehood.
August 25, 1944 — Bulgaria Declares Neutrality
Bulgaria’s government declared formal neutrality in the German-Soviet conflict in a last-ditch attempt to avoid Soviet invasion. The declaration came too late and carried too little credibility — the Soviets, who had never declared war on Bulgaria, would do so ten days later, using Bulgaria’s continued harbouring of German troops as justification. The country’s room for manoeuvre had effectively disappeared.
Explore more of Bulgaria’s story on Bronicable, including our Bulgaria From Above series and our guides to the best of Bulgaria.
