Parliament approved by a large majority (148 for, 52 against) this proposal by the new pro-European government, which has initiated a new strategy after previous interim governments who were keen not to interfere in the conflict.
These Soviet-designed BTR armored personnel carriers, purchased in the 1980s, have never been used. “Bulgaria no longer needs this equipment which can provide valuable support to Ukraine in its battle to preserve its independence and territorial integrity” against Russia, writes the text.
“A betrayal and a shame” according to a pro-Russian formation
The socialists of the PSB, heir to the communist party which once ruled the country, opposed this decision, as did the young pro-Russian ultra-nationalist formation Vazrajdane (Renaissance) which denounced “a betrayal and a shame”.
Bulgaria, a member of the EU and NATO, has a large stock of Soviet equipment and weapons and also produces ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also came to Sofia in early July to discuss an acceleration of deliveries.
Since this visit, the government has announced an unprecedented aid package, which probably includes weapons and shells, even if it did not want to provide details as the subject is so divided in the country. In practice, however, the arms factories have been running at full capacity since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Exports from the industry surged, according to data from the Ministry of Economy, with goods being routed through third countries before reaching Ukraine.