Russia, roads and an ageing documentary in Bulgaria

Russia's Foreign Ministry said Bulgaria's new government has shown no willingness to restore normal bilateral dialogue. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters Moscow continues contacts with 'patriotic, nationally oriented forces' in Bulgaria, without naming them.

Zakharova said bilateral relations have been 'severely damaged' in recent years, affecting ordinary citizens, and that restoring cooperation would require Bulgaria to reassess its approach toward Russia and focus on 'sovereign national interests' rather than external pressure.

A documentary film titled 'What is it like to grow old in Bulgaria?' will be shown at 6pm on 2 June at the Stiliyan Chilingirov Regional Library. The 40-minute film by director Lina Krivoshieva explores care, solitude, dignity and community in later life, set against Bulgaria's demographic crisis. The screening and post-film discussion with Krivoshieva and ethnologist Assoc. Prof. Ivelina Eftimova are free to attend.

Shumen regional police conducted intensified roadside checks on Rişki Prokhod Boulevard using a 'wide-coverage control' operation. Officers from Novi Pazar, Veliki Preslav and Kaolinovo tested drivers for alcohol and drugs, checked vehicle roadworthiness and equipment. The checks aim to reduce road accidents by targeting violations that directly affect road safety.

Shumen's Dobri Voynikov chitalishte, one of Bulgaria's first, marks its 170th anniversary with a gala concert at 7pm on 3 June outside the chitalishte building. The programme includes awards for distinguished figures and performances by the National Music Theatre 'Stefan Makedonski', mixed choir 'Rodni Zvutsi', Shumen Symphony and Ballet Studio 'Perli'.

Shumen municipality will build a new roundabout where Gen. Skobelev, Maritsa and Plovdiv streets meet near the Enchova river bridge. Only one firm submitted a bid for the contract at €1.81 million (excluding VAT). The project includes an elliptical roundabout with 8-metre lane width and a 30km/h design speed, plus a cycle lane on Maritsa Street and pedestrian crossings. Construction is due to take 270 calendar days. The roundabout is intended to ease traffic flow and improve road safety.

Over €521,000 (1.02 million leva converted at today's rate) will be spent on the second phase of Arena Shumen's refurbishment, funded by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The work includes replacing 1,280 square metres of floor tiles on the external stairs, repairing nearly 4,500 square metres of ceiling panels in corridors and spaces under staircases, and installing more durable sills. The hall will remain open during the 270-day construction period, with visitors using an alternative entrance. The first phase saw the old floor replaced with high-grade Italian sports parquet that has already been used for training and matches, praised by local sports clubs.

Belokopitovoʼs hunting group won the team prize at a clay pigeon shooting competition held near the Hunting Lodge on Shumen Plateau. The event, organised by Shumen's 'Sokol' hunting and fishing association, saw individual honours go to Serdar Isuf from Drumevo. Isuf said the targets were 'very fast' and admitted he arrived without training. His runner-up, Pavlin Grigorov from Velino, said competitors would benefit from a few hours' practice with the association's guns. Prizes will be awarded on 13 June at the association's annual summer festival in the City Garden.