Defence Minister Atanas Zapryanov took participation in a meeting of the "Foreign Affairs" Council; today, April 22, in Luxembourg. The ministers of foreign affairs and the ministers of defense of the member states of the European Union (EU) discussed Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Minister Zapryanov confirmed our country's determination to continue providing military aid to Ukraine as long as it is necessary.
„Bulgaria will continue to support EU and NATO efforts to provide Ukraine with all the necessary equipment, training and capacity building in order to strengthen its defense capabilities” – pointed out the minister.
He informed about the delivered military aid in the past year, which continues in the current one. Based on a recent review, additional quantities of surplus weapons will be determined to be delivered to Ukraine.
Within the EU Military Mission in support of Ukraine, our country is ready to provide training on its territory to infantry units and combat medics. English language training is now provided to Ukrainian servicemen.
„The European Instrument for Peace is an important political tool that we must continue to use in our support for Ukraine,” Minister Zapryanov emphasized.
He identified military support provided by stockpiles of EU member states as a working approach in response to the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. At the same time, the Minister of Defense emphasized that for the long-term support of Ukraine, joint acquisition through
public procurement related to the production capacity of the defense industry.
In connection with the new European program for the defense industry, which envisages among other measures and financial incentives from the European budget, he called for an inclusive approach involving the defense industries of all member states.
Minister Zapryanov welcomes the importance of the long-term commitments of the EU to Ukraine in the field of security and defense, which will contribute to the strengthening and stability of the country in the post-war
period.