Bulgarian Defence Minister explains how Sofia might help EU step up assistance to Kyiv
Bulgaria has the potential to contribute to an increase in European military aid to Ukraine by increasing production.
Source: Todor Tagarev, the new Bulgarian Defence Minister, in an interview with Ukrainian news agency Hlavkom, as reported by European Pravda
Details: He was asked to comment on the format of Bulgaria's participation in the EU initiative on ammunition for Ukraine, as Bulgarian officials had previously stated there was no such possibility.
Tagarev noted that the European initiative has several areas: the actual transfer of ammunition, replenishing the stocks of countries that give Ukraine their ammunition from storage, and expanding production capacity.
Background: "And we can join the latter. After all, Bulgaria has traditionally specialised in the production of light weapons and ammunition since Soviet times. Therefore, we are ready, and it would be quite natural if Bulgaria invested in expanding existing and creating new weapons production facilities. It is no coincidence that European Commissioner Thierry Breton, during his tour of Eastern European defence companies, first came to Bulgaria," Todor Tagarev said.
Background:
- Last week, Bulgaria approved a new military aid package for Ukraine, the details of which were not disclosed.
- Back in November 2022, the Bulgarian parliament supported a resolution to supply Ukraine with military and technical assistance. However, unofficially, the former pro-European government of Kirill Petkov has reportedly provided Kyiv with more than US$1 billion worth of ammunition and weapons.
- Bulgaria's new pro-European government has previously confirmed its support for military assistance to Ukraine.
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