The Bulgarian Parliament has approved by a large majority the sending of a hundred armored tanks to Ukraine, marking a first for this Balkan country.
On Friday, the Bulgarian Parliament voted in favor of sending a hundred armored tanks to Ukraine, signaling a turning point in Bulgaria’s policy towards the ongoing conflict. This decision was driven by the new pro-European government, which departs from the position of previous interim governments that preferred not to get directly involved in the conflict. The proposal was widely approved with 148 votes in favor and 52 against.
The Soviet-designed BTR tanks, purchased by Bulgaria in the 1980s, have never been used and are no longer needed for the country. Bulgaria sees this as an opportunity to provide crucial support to Ukraine in its battle to preserve its independence and territorial integrity against Russia, a gesture that marks a significant shift in its foreign policy.
Although the decision to send tanks to Ukraine was supported by a large majority in Parliament, it was not without opposition. The Bulgarian Socialist Party and the young pro-Russian ultranationalist formation Vazrajdane (Renaissance) expressed their disagreement, considering this decision as a betrayal and a shame.
As a member of the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Bulgaria has a significant stock of Soviet-era equipment and weapons. Additionally, the country produces ammunition. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Sofia at the beginning of July to discuss an acceleration of arms and military equipment deliveries.
Zelensky’s visit marked the beginning of a new aid package from Bulgaria to Ukraine, likely including weapons and ammunition. While this decision sparks internal debates in the country, the Bulgarian arms industry has been operating at full capacity since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, resulting in a notable increase in military equipment exports.
