**Title: Bulgaria Halts Military Aid to Ukraine, Citing Exhaustion of Resources**
**Ankara, Türkiye** – Bulgaria has officially ceased its military support for Ukraine, with Prime Minister Rumen Radev announcing that the country can no longer provide weapons or military equipment. This decision was made public during the NATO summit held in Ankara on Wednesday.
Radev stated that Bulgaria has "exhausted our ability to provide military support," referencing the 13 packages of arms and ammunition that have already been supplied from the Bulgarian Armed Forces' stockpiles. He emphasized that while Bulgaria will continue to support Ukraine financially, this assistance will be limited to what the country can afford without compromising social spending. Radev also mentioned that Bulgaria could still offer technical assistance, such as repairing military equipment, but ruled out any further military deliveries.
The Prime Minister's comments reflect a broader trend among NATO member states, as other countries are also reaching their limits in terms of military aid. Dutch Defense Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Netherlands has also reached its capacity to provide additional military supplies directly from its own stockpiles.
These developments come in stark contrast to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's appeals at the summit for NATO members to enhance their military support, particularly in the areas of air defense systems and interceptor missiles. Zelensky's calls highlight the ongoing urgency for Ukraine as it continues to face significant military challenges.
Radev's announcement aligns with a policy shift previously articulated by Bulgaria's Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov, who indicated last month that the country would halt arms supplies, arguing that the conflict cannot be resolved through military means alone. Under the previous Bulgarian government, the country was a significant supplier of Soviet-standard weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, with reports indicating that Bulgarian shells accounted for approximately one-third of the ammunition used by Ukraine during the initial year of the conflict.
Rumen Radev, who leads the Progressive Bulgaria party and assumed office following the parliamentary elections in April, has consistently opposed the European Union's approach to the Ukraine conflict. During his presidency, he has been critical of sanctions imposed on Russian energy and has previously blocked proposals to send Bulgarian armored vehicles to Ukraine. Radev has advocated for a negotiated settlement to the conflict, a stance that contrasts sharply with the prevailing military support narrative among many NATO allies.
The Kremlin has condemned the military aid provided by Western nations to Ukraine, arguing that it prolongs the conflict and diminishes the prospects for a peaceful resolution. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Zelensky could end the conflict swiftly by ordering Ukrainian troops to withdraw from contested regions such as Donbass.
As the situation evolves, the implications of Bulgaria's decision to halt military aid may resonate within NATO discussions, particularly regarding collective defense strategies and the ongoing support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia. The summit in Ankara is expected to address these issues as member states navigate their military commitments and the broader geopolitical landscape.