Prime Minister Najib Mikati told the Paris conference on Lebanon that the arms monopoly must be returned to the Lebanese state and army…
Defence Minister, Dragomir Zakov, stated on Bulgarian media that they cannot give Ukraine something they don’t have, explaining why the country decided not to send military equipment to Ukraine.
Instead, Zakov noted the immediate military upgrades that need to be made in the country. These include the development of artillery support capabilities, the acquisition of 3D radars, the construction of an air defence system, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), diesel-electric multipurpose submarines, ammunition for ships, coastal missile systems and the acquisition of tactical communications equipment.
Zakov’s comments came after a statement signed by six former Defence Ministers urged Bulgaria to do the opposite and send weapons to help the Ukrainian Army.
The specific statement said that Bulgaria should become part of the pan-European and Euro-Atlantic response to the attack on Ukraine as soon as possible.
However, according to Zakov, Bulgaria’s military is in dire need of renewal before such steps are taken. The Minister said they need a capable and fighting army that can protect them as well as restore basic military capabilities, which implies substantial spending.
Zakov also revealed that Italy would likely lead Bulgaria’s group of around 1,000 soldiers to be trained at the country’s NATO bases and promised that this army would have a defensive character and would not be sent to fight on foreign soil.
His proposal contradicts President Rumen Radev’s wish that the troops be under Bulgarian command. F-35 fighter jets from the Netherlands will also be stationed in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Minister noted.
Also read: Norway | Defence budget increased by 9.8%
READ MORE
Russia | Ratification of the strategic partnership treaty with North Korea
The treaty for the overall strategic partnership with North Korea was voted unanimously by the Russian parliamentarians.
Iran – Saudi Arabia | They are planning the first joint military exercises in the Red Sea
Tehran and Riyadh plan to hold joint military exercises in the Red Sea, according to the Times of Israel. The two traditional Middle…
Lebanon | The arms monopoly must be returned to the state, says Mikati
Prime Minister Najib Mikati told the Paris conference on Lebanon that the arms monopoly must be returned to the Lebanese state and army…
Russia | Ratification of the strategic partnership treaty with North Korea
The treaty for the overall strategic partnership with North Korea was voted unanimously by the Russian parliamentarians.
Iran – Saudi Arabia | They are planning the first joint military exercises in the Red Sea
Tehran and Riyadh plan to hold joint military exercises in the Red Sea, according to the Times of Israel. The two traditional Middle…
USA – Republic of Cyprus | Today the first strategic dialogue
The first Strategic Dialogue between the Republic of Cyprus and the USA is taking place today, Wednesday, October 23, 2024, in Nicosia.
Poland – Russia | Diplomatic crisis – Russian consulate in Poznań closes
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslav Sikorski accused Russia of hybrid warfare and acts of sabotage and announced…
Green light from the EU for the 35 billion euro loan to Ukraine
The European Parliament today gave the “green light” to the €35 billion macro-financial assistance loan to Ukraine, which will…