The newly appointed Bulgarian government has announced its intention to cease military support to Ukraine, advocating instead for negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict. This statement was made by Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, as reported by Bloomberg.
Stoyanov emphasized that Ukraine requires more personnel rather than additional weaponry, reflecting a shift in Bulgaria’s approach to the war. He called for a “just peace” that involves participation from both sides of the conflict.
This position aligns closely with that of Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who has repeatedly asserted that the war cannot be resolved solely through military means. Radev has consistently opposed military assistance to Kyiv from the European Union.
Additionally, the Prime Minister has urged for the lifting of economic sanctions against Russia, arguing that such measures are detrimental to the European economy.
Since taking office last month, Radev has pledged to enhance Bulgaria’s role in shaping collective decisions within the EU.
Bulgaria is a significant producer of Soviet-era ammunition within the European Union, which has played a crucial role for the Ukrainian military during the initial phases of the full-scale invasion. While Sofia initially refrained from providing direct military assistance, Bulgarian munitions have consistently reached the front lines through exports to other EU countries.
Since 2022, Bulgaria has delivered 13 packages of defense support to Ukraine, although details regarding their value and specific contents have remained confidential.
The new Bulgarian government plans to stop military aid to Ukraine, advocating for negotiations instead. This marks a significant shift in Bulgaria's stance, aligning with Prime Minister Rumen Radev's views on resolving the conflict through dialogue rather than military means.