I lived in Bulgaria for a few years. This doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. Despite being post-communist, Bulgaria’s ties to Russia are still very strong. Due to the poverty in the country, most of the older population still looks fondly at both communism and Russia.
You’ve got to be careful how you’re referring to it. Asexual is not the same thing as aromantic. Confusing the two causes people to misunderstand both.