Bulgaria can’t send MiG-29 aircraft and C-300 air defense systems to Ukraine: Bozhilov

Sofia, Bulgaria: Deputy Minister of Defense of Bulgaria – Yordan Bozhilov, in his recent statement, noted that Bulgaria could not send MiG-29 aircraft and C-300 air defense systems to Ukraine amid the Russian invasion but will surely assist the war-torn nation with military equipment. 

He then added that the Bulgarian parliament would make a decision requiring a political assessment and analysis of military capabilities. 

The Deputy Defense Minister asserted, “Military property is divided into two groups – one of deadly nature and the other one of non-lethal nature. Yesterday, the Minister of Defense announced that we can send military equipment.” 

Following the above statement, he further added, “This is the role of NATO and the EU. The UN Charter states that every country has the right to self-defense. That is why most NATO member states have decided to assist Ukraine in self-defense. NATO’s position is not to provide offensive weapons in any way and those that could provoke a military conflict between NATO and Russia.” 

While speaking and analyzing the ongoing military operations on the land of Ukraine, he stated that the world is yet is not aware of the “political goal” of this war.  

“The big problem is that we do not know what the political goal of this war is. Therefore, it is difficult to say what the military dimensions of the conflict will be. Russian Army is undergoing very serious difficulties. The military campaign itself is being reconsidered. We see that the consequences will be long-term and negative,” underlines the Deputy Defense Minister. 

He then stated that it is yet not clear which NATO battalion will be formed in Bulgaria. These battalions will be under the leadership of Bulgarian commanders and will then later be transferred to Italian.  

In view of the Minister, “For the defense of the nation, Bulgaria relies primarily on the Bulgarian Army and all the armies of our allies. NATO battalion groups are the new answer to the threats. They are 1,000 to 1,500 people. Once the threat passes, they will be disbanded.”