Bulgaria Ends Military Aid to Ukraine

Bulgaria will stop supplying arms to Ukraine, Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced, arguing that the war cannot be resolved on the battlefield and that continued weapons deliveries will only lead to more casualties, Politico reports.

The decision reflects the position of Prime Minister Roumen Radev, who is regarded as taking a more pragmatic and conciliatory approach towards Russia. Radev has long advocated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv and has repeatedly questioned the prospect of a Ukrainian military victory.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Sofia has provided Ukraine with 13 military aid packages. However, the new government is signalling a shift in policy.

Despite ending military assistance to Kyiv, Bulgaria is not seeking a confrontation with the European Union, on which it remains heavily dependent economically.

At the same time, the government has announced plans to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. The move is intended to meet Bulgaria's commitments to NATO and strengthen the country's own defense capabilities.

(mja)