Bulgaria’s Prime Minister held a video conference with NATO Secretary General

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Kiril Petkov held a video conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on February 2. The two discussed current developments related to the continuing build-up of Russian troops on the border with Ukraine.

Petkov and Stoltenberg shared the view that diplomatic efforts at de-escalation should continue, but at the same time the Alliance should be prepared for a possible deterioration of the situation.

The Prime Minister informed the Secretary General about the decision of the government to contribute to the collective defence through the formation of a Bulgarian battalion group, with the possibility to fill the deficits by member countries, if necessary.

In the course of the conversation, The leading principle in NATO, which is that every decision must be supported by the public and the government in the relevant member state, was once again reiterated.