Newswire
Sofia: Bulgaria this week announced its withdrawal from the Western-backed voluntary coalition supporting Ukraine, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to the conflict while reaffirming its commitments to NATO and the European Union.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev confirmed the decision after receiving an invitation from French President Emmanuel Macron to attend the coalition’s latest summit, stating that Bulgaria would no longer participate in the initiative.
The Bulgarian leader said his government would not be part of efforts involving continued financial and military assistance to Ukraine, arguing that the conflict should be resolved through intensified diplomatic engagement rather than prolonged military support. He emphasized, however, that Bulgaria remains fully committed to meeting its defence and security obligations within NATO and the EU.
The announcement follows a series of policy changes adopted after the country’s April elections that have signalled a departure from previous support measures for Ukraine.
Last month, the Bulgarian government suspended further transfers of weapons from its military reserves, saying the country had already made a sufficient contribution and now needed to prioritise its own national security requirements and economic stability.
The move reflects an evolving foreign and security policy in Sofia as the government balances alliance commitments with domestic priorities amid the continuing war in Ukraine.
