Vassil Donev / EPA / TASS
“Ukraine needs more people, not more weapons,” Stoyanov said, according to Bloomberg.
According to him, the Bulgarian authorities advocate for a just peace, the terms of which must be determined by both sides of the conflict.
The defense minister also noted that the European Union plays an important role in a potential peace process, but it will be difficult for Brussels to act as a mediator since the EU is providing support to Ukraine.
Stoyanov’s statement came amid ongoing discussions in Bulgaria regarding the nature of relations with Russia and the future policy on the conflict in Ukraine.
Bulgaria is one of the largest producers in the European Union of Soviet-style ammunition, which was actively used by the Ukrainian army in the early stages of the war. Despite Sofia’s refusal to make direct arms deliveries, some of the ammunition produced in the country found its way to Ukraine via third countries. Since 2022, Bulgaria has sent 13 military aid packages to Kyiv, though their contents and value have not been officially disclosed.
According to RBC, the minister’s position largely aligns with that of Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who has previously repeatedly criticized military aid to Ukraine and advocated for a review of sanctions policy toward Russia.
In late May, MP Angel Georgiev reported that Bulgarian lawmakers are discussing the possibility of easing a number of restrictions against Moscow and resuming certain areas of cooperation. According to him, the issues under consideration include the maintenance of MiG-29 aircraft and energy cooperation.
Following the parliamentary elections, in which Radev’s “Progressive Bulgaria” party received over 44% of the vote, the country’s new leadership announced its intention to build respectful and equal relations with Russia.
This stance has raised concerns among some European politicians. In April, MEP Valerie Hayer warned in an interview with the Financial Times of the risk of a government emerging in the EU that might adopt a more favorable stance toward Moscow.
