Bulgaria's New Government Announces End to Arms Supplies for Ukraine
Bulgaria's newly appointed defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov announced on June 9 that the country will no longer provide weapons to Ukraine and called for negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. Bulgaria, a NATO and EU member with strategic Black Sea positioning, had sent Ukraine anti-tank missiles, armoured vehicles, mortars, and other weapons in 2024 and 2025 after a policy shift. The announcement marks a significant reversal in Bulgaria's military support stance and reflects the pro-Russian orientation of the new government led by former president Rumen Radev.
Bulgaria's defence minister Dimitar Stoyanov declared on June 9 that his country will cease providing arms to Ukraine, urging instead that Moscow and Kyiv pursue negotiations to end the war. This represents a policy reversal, as Bulgaria had supplied Ukraine with anti-tank missiles, armoured vehicles, mortars, anti-aircraft guns, howitzers, and infantry weapons during 2024 and 2025, following a change in course from 2022-2023 when it exported weapons only through European intermediaries. The new Bulgarian government, led by former president Rumen Radev and sworn in during May, has signalled a shift toward a more neutral or Russia-leaning position, though Radev pledged to maintain pro-EU policies. Despite this arms announcement, Bulgaria and Ukraine signed a 10-year bilateral security cooperation agreement in March covering joint defence production, intelligence sharing, and an energy corridor for gas supplies. Ukraine has not yet responded to the announcement.
What's missing
The specific reasons or pressures behind Bulgaria's policy reversal are not detailed. Additionally, the article does not clarify the current status or implementation timeline of the March 2025 security cooperation agreement in light of this arms embargo announcement.
What different sources said
- The Straits TimesCenter
Bulgaria’s new government says it will not provide arms for Ukraine
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