Clashes and tension between protesters for and against provision of military aid for Ukraine

Two groups of protestors - for and against Bulgaria providing military aid to Ukraine, gathered in central Sofia on May 4. Protesters against the provision of military aid to Ukraine gathered in front of the building of Parliament and the group in support of the provision of military aid gathered behind the Parliament building.

A peaceful rally to wrap the Soviet Army Monument with the Ukrainian flag brought together supporters of the idea in the late afternoon

By 8pm there were two groups of protesters with opposing positions in front of the Soviet Army Monument, separated by police cordons. One is for sending military-technical aid to Ukraine, the other is against.

Earlier, a BNT team was prevented from doing its job by aggressive protesters. After insults and physical attacks on journalists, a female photojournalist was taken to hospital.

In the evening, protesters against sending arms to Ukraine reported that a person from their ranks was attacked in the underpass of Sofia University. According to eyewitnesses, representatives of the two protests met there. As of 18:30, the Sofia police had no information about the case.

Protesters opposed to sending arms to Ukraine gathered at noon in front of the Parliament. They blocked the traffic and greeted the MPs' decision with shouts of "resignation" and "traitors". Representatives of “Mir” (Peace) party were present and demanded a referendum on the issue.

The group of protesters in support of a decision on military aid organised an initiative to wrap the the Soviet Army monument monument with Ukrainian and Bulgarian flags. However, counter-protesters from “Mir” prevented the planned initiative, which will last several days. Confrontations between the two sides ensued, with police separating the two groups.

Bulgaria’s Parliament mandates the government to provide assistance to Ukraine