CoM: The country’s defence strategy should be based on the Bulgarian army as a constructive partner of NATO

The government has decided to prioritise Bulgaria's strategy towards de-escalating tensions between NATO and Russia, as well as to use all possibilities for resolving this conflict through diplomatic channels.

This was stated by Prime Minister Kiril Petkov on January 26 after a closed meeting of the Council of Ministers, at which the Cabinet discussed Bulgaria's strategy regarding the tensions between NATO and Russia.

Our defence strategy will be based on the Bulgarian army. It will be the priority, which means Bulgarian troops, Bulgarian command and Bulgarian military leadership, the prime minister added.

The army has been underfunded over the years. Therefore, the compensation for the accumulated deficits will be prioritized.

"From now on, Bulgaria should not be just a consumer of security, but a constructive partner within NATO." Petkov pointed out.

In the search for a demonstration of deterrent potential, which we are ready to declare within NATO, Bulgaria is actually pursuing the development of its own defence potential, said Defence Minister Stefan Yanev. Thus, a way will be found to compensate for the deficits in the Bulgarian defence, which were accumulated over the years.

"Together with the diplomatic efforts, Bulgaria should take a step towards developing its own defence potential in the direction of preparing what is called a battalion battle group of Bulgarian troops, by Bulgarian command, using the national chain of command, which will be our position within the framework of the measures discussed in NATO," the Minister of Defence, Stefan Yanev, said.

Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska expressed hope for a solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis through diplomacy.

"We hope that the conflict will be resolved diplomatically. Diplomatic speech, however, should be supported by confidence that we have the necessary defence capabilities," Genchovska said.

In a closed sitting, the government discussed the report of Defence Minister Stefan Yanev, which presents information in detail on the situation with tensions between NATO and Russia, as well as the decisions taken at yesterday's National Security Council related to Bulgaria's position on the issue.

Later today, the members of the cabinet will present to the National Assembly the part of the Bulgarian strategy that is not classified.

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