Kyiv, Ukraine – The Ukrainian Armed Forces have begun deploying armored personnel carriers (APCs) supplied by Bulgaria, according to the Ukrainian military news outlet “Militarnyi.”
These vehicles, originally from Bulgaria’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, have now been integrated into the 156th mechanized brigade of Ukraine’s army.
The APCs were part of a military aid package approved by Bulgaria’s National Assembly in November 2023, which included the donation of over 100 outdated armored vehicles.
However, the delivery faced significant delays due to logistical funding issues and a veto by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, who has consistently opposed military assistance to Ukraine. Despite this, the Bulgarian parliament overruled the veto, ensuring the transfer of the equipment.
Upgrades and Modernization
The armored vehicles delivered to Ukraine have undergone extensive upgrades to enhance their battlefield effectiveness. “Militarnyi” reports that the BTR-60PB APCs were modernized to the BTR-60D standard, which involved structural modifications and complete overhauls.
The outdated 90-horsepower GAZ-40P engines were replaced with two German-made Deutz BF4M2012 engines, each capable of producing 102 horsepower.
Additionally, the vehicles were fitted with new hatches, a digital radio communication system, and night vision equipment for both the driver and gunner operating the main weapon systems.
A video released by Ukrainian military sources shows the APCs actively engaged in military operations, underlining their role in bolstering Ukraine’s armored capabilities as the war continues.
Bulgarian Political Divide Over Military Aid
The transfer of these APCs was supported by Bulgaria’s ruling political factions, including We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (WCC-DB), GERB, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), and There Is Such a People (TISP).
However, the nationalist “Revival” party and the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) opposed the move, aligning with President Radev’s stance against military support for Ukraine.
Radev, who has often expressed positions sympathetic to Moscow, remains critical of Bulgaria’s involvement in arming Ukraine, a stance that has fueled political tensions within the country.
The debate over military aid highlights the broader geopolitical divide in Bulgaria, where certain political factions maintain pro-Russian views, while others advocate for stronger NATO and European Union alignment.
Historical Context and Strategic Implications
Originally, these APCs were used during Bulgaria’s controversial “Renaissance Process” in the 1980s, a forced resettlement campaign targeting Bulgarian Turks.
While their historical significance remains part of their legacy, their current deployment in Ukraine signals a shift in military alliances and support in the ongoing conflict.
As the war continues to escalate, international diplomatic efforts to mediate peace have increased.
US President Donald Trump has suggested that his administration could work toward a resolution, following high-level talks between American and Russian officials—the first such discussions in three years.
However, peace negotiations remain complex, with the role of the European Union and other global powers uncertain in shaping the conflict’s outcome.
For now, Ukraine continues to strengthen its defense capabilities, utilizing foreign-supplied military aid in its fight against Russian aggression. The deployment of Bulgarian APCs marks another chapter in the evolving military dynamics of the war.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members