Bulgaria’s Parliament on Thursday approved sending a first aid package to Ukraine in the framework of the Russian invasion since the war began in late February, which includes the supply of weaponry.
Seven months after the Parliament decided that assistance to Ukraine would only consist of materials for reconstruction and repair of affected areas, the Bulgarian National Assembly has now reversed its position and decided to send weapons and spare parts.
This change has been achieved thanks to the votes of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party together with Continuing Change, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), the Democratic Bulgaria alliance and the Bulgarian Ascent formation, which have put an end to months of resistance from pro-Moscow politicians.
Thus, Rebirth and the Bulgarian Socialist Party voted against and urged to put an end to the weapons after a debate that lasted for hours, according to information from the daily ‘Dnevnik’.
The country, which is a NATO member but has cultural and economic ties with Russia, was one of two European Union countries that had not yet sent arms to Ukraine since the conflict began. Now Hungary is the only country in the bloc that has not stepped forward in this regard.
The government now has to propose to parliament the type of equipment it wishes to send, while avoiding reducing the country’s own defense capabilities. In addition, it will have to hold talks with other Alliance countries on the matter.
