Bulgaria Halts Weapon Shipments to Ukraine, Urges Diplomacy

Bulgaria has declared it will cease sending additional weapons to Ukraine. This decision was confirmed by Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov.

“We have already made it clear that the war in Ukraine will not be resolved on the battlefield,” Stoyanov stated in Sofia. He described the current situation as a “war of attrition” where increased weaponry only results in more casualties.

Stoyanov emphasized, “Ukraine needs more people, not more weapons. It has enough weapons, so we do not envisage providing more weapons to the Ukrainian army.”

Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who gained office after April’s election victory, advocates for diplomatic solutions over military aid. Bulgaria, a member of NATO and the EU, has offered military assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Early war efforts relied on Soviet-era weaponry provided primarily through third-party countries due to domestic political issues.

Stoyanov said it’s essential to negotiate “to seek a just peace that is defined by both sides.”

Stoyanov also highlighted the significant role of the European Union, stating, “It would be difficult to assign this role to that of a mediator for the simple reason that the EU has also assisted Ukraine in its efforts in this war anyway.”

Additionally, Bulgaria plans to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030.