Foto: BB.LV / Румен Радев
The number of European Union countries refusing new expenditures on American weapons purchases for Ukraine has increased. After Poland's announcement, Bulgaria has expressed a similar position, citing financial constraints. As reported by LETA, citing "Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty," Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev announced this at an informal meeting of EU leaders in Dublin. According to Radev, Bulgaria will not participate in the next round of funding for military purchases for Ukraine. Additionally, Sofia does not intend to supply weapons and ammunition from its own military reserves to Kyiv for the time being. ### Why Bulgaria Refuses New Expenditures The reason for the decision, the Prime Minister stated, is issues with state finances. Bulgaria is facing an excessive budget deficit and difficulties with reserves, so it cannot take on additional financial commitments. At the same time, Radev emphasized that Sofia does not intend to hinder other European Union countries if they decide to continue funding Ukraine. Thus, this is about Bulgaria's refusal to participate in new expenditures rather than blocking European assistance to Kyiv. ### Poland Made a Similar Decision On November 13, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that Warsaw will not allocate funds for the PURL program — "List of Priority Needs for Ukraine" for now. This initiative involves purchasing American weapons for Ukraine using funds from European countries and other partners. Tusk explained Poland's position by significant expenditures on its own defense and budget deficits. He emphasized that Warsaw has already provided substantial assistance to Ukraine and continues to support it. Now, two EU countries have announced the suspension of new financial contributions almost simultaneously. ### What Role Bulgaria Plays in Arms Supplies Bulgaria remains one of the producers of Soviet-style weapons and ammunition that are used by the Ukrainian army. Previously, the former Minister of Defense of the country, Todor Tagarev, informed the Financial Times that more than half of the weapons produced in Bulgaria are delivered to Ukraine directly or through intermediaries. This is an important distinction: the refusal to transfer weapons from state military reserves does not equate to halting the commercial export of products from Bulgarian defense enterprises. ### Bulgaria's Political Position The government's decision came shortly after the presidential elections held in early November. Iliana Yotova, who advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the war and against military assistance to Ukraine, won the elections. She is a political ally of Rumen Radev. At the same time, Bulgaria's further policy regarding military support for Kyiv will primarily depend on the government's decisions. At this point, Sofia has refused new financial commitments and supplies from military reserves, but has not stated any intention to hinder assistance to Ukraine from other European Union countries.
