Bulgaria Halts Weapon Support for Ukraine, Prioritizes Diplomacy

Bulgaria will cease sending additional weapons to Ukraine, announced Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov on Tuesday. Speaking in Sofia, Stoyanov stated, “We have already made it clear that the war in Ukraine will not be resolved on the battlefield.” He described the conflict as a war of attrition, emphasizing the loss of human lives despite the accumulation of weaponry.

Stoyanov further noted, “Ukraine needs more people, not more weapons. It has enough armaments, so we do not plan to provide more to the Ukrainian army.” Prime Minister Rumen Radev, whose administration rose to power following a decisive election victory in April, has consistently opposed arming Ukraine. He advocates for diplomatic solutions instead.

As a member of NATO and the European Union, Bulgaria has been supporting Ukraine with military aid since Russia’s extensive invasion in 2022. The contributions, mainly consisting of Soviet-era armaments, were crucial during the war’s initial phases. Domestic political disputes led to the weapons being sent primarily through intermediary countries.

Stoyanov stressed the importance of negotiations, saying it is time to sit at the table “to seek a just peace defined by both sides.” He highlighted the significant role of the EU, though acknowledged its limitations as a mediator. “The EU has also supported Ukraine in this conflict,” he said.

Additionally, Stoyanov announced Bulgaria’s plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030.