The Power Within: The Kyiv Independent’s first-ever magazine. Be among the first to get it.

pre-order now
Skip to content
Edit post

Bulgarian minister: New military aid package for Ukraine 'taking shape'

by Martin Fornusek July 4, 2023 12:51 PM 2 min read
Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev at the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting on June 15, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo credit: Omar Havana/Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Bulgaria has already begun preparing the new package of military aid for Ukraine, Defense Minister Todor Tagarev told Glavcom on July 4.

Just like with Sofia's previous military aid packages, the minister did not reveal its exact content.

He has however noted that the previous two shipments were "quite serious." Bulgaria is providing "material means" that do not disrupt the capabilities of the Bulgarian military, Tagarev said in the interview.

According to Tagarev, there are certain weapons that Sofia is unlikely to provide, not only because of Bulgaria's own needs but also due to "already formed negative public sentiments regarding the transfer of specific combat platforms."

Apart from the material aid, the minister also mentioned Bulgaria's willingness to train 60 Ukrainian combat medics every year.

Referencing the previous delays with the Bulgarian aid, the minister said that future supplies should be processed considerably faster than previously, as they will not require consideration by the parliament.

Tagarev mentioned that his positive actions toward Ukraine made him a target of "pro-Russian forces" at home. Russia supposedly activated all its assets in the country, the minister said, specifically naming the far-right Revival Party in connection to the issue.

Bulgaria approved its second package for Ukraine on June 27 without specifying its content. On June 15, Tagarev told Politico that Sofia wishes to join the EU's initiative to supply $2.2 billion worth of artillery shells to Ukraine.

Bulgarian government approves military aid package for Ukraine
Despite opposition from the country’s president, the Bulgarian government approved on June 26 a new military aid package for Ukraine, the press service of the Council of Ministers announced on its website.

News Feed

12:24 PM

Ukraine receives $400 million tranche from IMF.

The funds represent the latest tranche of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, which will provide Kyiv with $15.6 billion in budget support over four years. With the additional $400 million in funding, the program has now distributed $10.1 billion in financing to Ukraine.
8:59 AM

Shooter opens fire on police in Russia's Murmansk.

The man began shooting from the roof of a building at Kolskiy Avenue 10 in the central part of the city, after which the authorities stormed the roof and "neutralized" the attacker, the regional Investigative Committee said.
3:19 PM

More US controversies and cyberattack | Ukraine This Week.

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur discusses how the Trump administration conducts foreign policy as Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is embroiled in several controversies amid ceasefire negotiations. Also, Ukrainians experience yet another cyberattack, this time on the national railway service.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.