Bulgaria Walks Fine Line in Supporting Ukraine Amid Russian Influence
Bulgaria is treading carefully as it tries to support Ukraine without antagonizing Russia. The country has historically been influenced by Moscow, and many of its 6.7 million people buy into Kremlin propaganda. However, since the election of a new coalition government in June, Bulgaria has been shifting its stance towards Kyiv and the West. While Sofia has been quietly supplying ammunition to Ukraine since 2022, the recent announcement of a pledge to provide 100 armored vehicles marks the first public declaration of support.
Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev stated that supporting Ukraine is not only a moral obligation but also in Bulgaria’s strategic interest. He believes that Russia’s aggression and disregard for international norms are destabilizing the region, and it is crucial for Ukraine to regain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Tagarev emphasized the importance of stability in Europe, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.
However, Bulgaria faces challenges in disentangling itself from Russia’s influence. Pro-Russian sentiments are prevalent in Bulgarian politics and society, with the sitting president, Rumen Radev, being pro-Russian. Some politicians oppose providing weapons to Ukraine, arguing that it hinders the prospect of achieving peace quickly. Additionally, Bulgaria heavily relies on Russian oil.
Nevertheless, there is a growing number of Bulgarians who support Ukraine, with Russia’s war in Ukraine serving as a wake-up call for the country. Bulgaria’s strategic importance lies in its abundant Soviet weapon stockpiles and large defense industry. President Volodymyr Zelensky scolded Radev for his opposition to arming Ukraine during his visit to Bulgaria, but the Bulgarian government, not the president, holds authority over defense, security, and foreign policy.
In addition to political considerations, Bulgaria also faces security concerns in the Black Sea. Russia’s ongoing firing drills and the presence of floating mines pose threats to Bulgaria’s territorial integrity and economic interests. Russia has been using naval exercises to block Ukrainian grain exports, partially blockading Bulgaria’s economic zone in the Black Sea. While Tagarev stated that Russia’s actions are not a direct threat to NATO allies, there are risks of material damage and casualties.
To address these risks, Bulgaria is cooperating with NATO allies and neighboring countries like Turkey and Romania to clear mines and enhance navigation safety in the Black Sea. The goal is to make navigation safer without escalating the conflict. Bulgaria’s support is crucial for Ukraine, especially with the uncertain future of American support and the veto by pro-Russian prime ministers in Slovakia and Hungary on EU support for Ukraine.
Modernizing the Bulgarian army is another priority for Tagarev. The country’s political instability and limited funding have hindered efforts to meet NATO standards. However, with increased budget allocations, there are now more opportunities for a speedy modernization of Bulgaria’s armed forces. The country’s defense industry, specialized in small arms, light weapons, and ammunition, plays a vital role in supporting Ukraine.
While Bulgaria walks a fine line between supporting Ukraine and managing its relationship with Russia, the country remains committed to helping Ukraine withstand Russian aggression. The increasing support from Bulgarians and the government’s efforts to modernize the armed forces signal a shift towards Kyiv and the West.
