Bulgaria has announced an immediate halt to all arms and ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, becoming the first EU and NATO member to officially withdraw from the coalition supporting Kyiv. Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov stated the decision aligns with the new government’s push for a negotiated peace.
The move, announced during a press conference in Sofia, marks a significant shift in Bulgaria’s stance. Under previous administrations, the country supplied Ukraine with Soviet-era artillery, including 152 mm and 155 mm shells, as well as 122 mm small arms ammunition and sniper rifles. Minister Stoyanov argued that Ukraine’s most pressing need is now manpower, not additional weapons.
This reversal follows the appointment of Rumen Radev as prime minister. Radev, a former air force commander and ex-president, has long held pro-Russian views and has previously called for lifting EU sanctions against Moscow, claiming they damage European economies.
Minister’s justification for the halt
– Ukraine now needs more personnel, not additional weaponry. We must work towards a just peace settlement involving both sides of the conflict – said Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, explaining the rationale behind the cabinet’s decision. He emphasized that Sofia would focus on diplomatic efforts rather than further militarizing the conflict.
Bulgaria was one of the smaller but persistent suppliers of ammunition, particularly during the first years of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Its factories produced shells for both Ukrainian and Western buyers, and earlier shipments included 152 mm howitzers of the Giatsint type.
Radev’s political turn
Rumen Radev’s rise to the prime minister’s office brings a leader known for his skepticism of NATO’s eastward expansion and his advocacy for closer ties with the Kremlin. During his presidency, he vetoed several defense cooperation bills and repeatedly argued that arms deliveries only prolong the war. Observers note that his new role allows him to directly shape policy.
The Bulgarian parliament is divided on the issue. While the ruling coalition supports the decision, opposition parties have accused the government of abandoning allies and weakening European security. Protests have erupted in Sofia, with some citizens demanding continued support for Ukraine.
Reactions from Brussels and NATO
European Commission officials have expressed concern, urging Bulgaria to reconsider. NATO diplomats privately admit that the decision sets a dangerous precedent, especially as other members, such as Hungary and Slovakia, have already scaled back their military aid. Formal statements by EU and NATO are expected in the coming days.
Despite the halt, Bulgaria will still host allied troops and participate in joint exercises. However, the ban on arms exports covers both direct state-to-state transfers and private industry sales licensed by the government. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense has not yet officially commented, but Kyiv-based experts warn that the loss of Bulgarian ammunition will strain supply chains already under pressure from Russian offensives.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Wikimedia Commons
