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On December 9, Bulgaria approved its first military aid package to Ukraine. The Bulgarian National Assembly voted 148-46 with one abstention in favor of the weapons to the Kiev regime following months of political squabbling on the issue in the Balkan NATO member state.
The list of weapons that will bw sent to Ukraine was classified. According to some government officials, Sofia will supply Kiev with mainly light weapons and ammunition. Acting Bulgarian Defense Minister clarified that Bulgaria cannot afford to send its Russian-made anti-aircraft missile systems or MiG-19 and Su-25 fighters that Kiev demands.
“My approach was conservative, because I need to ensure Bulgaria’s defense capability” he claimed.
Earlier, on October 25, Bulgarian President refused any military supplies to Ukraine. The Head of State noted that the primary task of the Bulgarian Parliament is to ensure the military might of the Bulgarian army and its modernization, which has been carried out for many years. He was supported by the country’s Moscow-friendly political parties.
In September, the country’s Defence Minister stated that Ukraine again asked the country for heavy weapons, but the request was refused.
However, Bulgaria agreed to repair Ukrainian military equipment at its factories.
Along with Hungary, Bulgaria was the only European Union member country to initially refuse to give Ukraine weapons following Russia’s invasion.
On November 3, the Bulgarian parliament approved the supply of weapons to Ukraine. He also demanded that the government of the country propose a package of measures for Bulgaria’s participation in the restoration of Ukraine, and the country’s leadership should support Ukraine’s lawsuit against Russia in the European Court of Human Rights.
Lawmakers also ratified an agreement between the defense ministries of Bulgaria and Ukraine on the transfer of armaments, equipment, and ammunition. The agreement includes the training of up to 60 personnel from Ukraine’s armed forces as combat medics.
