SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — Bulgaria will halt further weapon deliveries to Ukraine, according to Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov. On Tuesday, Stoyanov told reporters in Sofia that “the war in Ukraine will not be resolved on the battlefield.” He emphasized, “This is a war of attrition, and regardless of the amount of weaponry amassed, the outcome remains the same: the loss of human lives.”
Stoyanov highlighted the need for manpower in Ukraine, rather than additional arms. “Ukraine needs more people, not more weapons. It has enough weapons, so we do not envisage providing more weapons to the Ukrainian army,” he stated.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev, whose government secured a decisive win in April, has consistently opposed arming Ukraine. He advocates for “diplomatic solutions” over military intervention. Bulgaria, a NATO and European Union member, began aiding Ukraine militarily following Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The supply of Soviet-era weapons was crucial early in the conflict, though domestic political controversies led to shipments primarily through third-party countries.
Stoyanov called for negotiations, saying, “It is time to sit down at the negotiating table to seek a just peace defined by both sides.” He noted the European Union’s significant role, cautioning that the EU is not ideally positioned as a mediator due to its support of Ukraine during the conflict.
Moreover, Stoyanov announced plans for Bulgaria to raise its defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, indicating an increased focus on national defense.