100 Armored Vehicles for Ukraine: Bulgaria's Parliament Overcomes Presidential Veto

Bulgaria's parliament has successfully overridden the presidential veto and officially approved the decision to send 100 BTR-60 armored vehicles to Ukraine. According to the Bulgarian News Agency, the vote took place in a rather tense atmosphere.

Some legislators argued that these armored vehicles are critically needed for Bulgaria, while Defense Minister Todor Tagarev faced calls to resign over his willingness to transfer the equipment to Ukraine. In response, other lawmakers pointed out that the armored vehicles have long become obsolete for Bulgaria, and that transferring the BTRs to Ukraine would be a significant contribution to Bulgaria's own security.

Eventually, the tension in the chamber escalated to the point where a brawl broke out among the legislators. As a result, the deputy speaker of parliament had to call for a short break.

Additionally, the Bulgarian parliament made another important decision regarding the transfer of portable anti-aircraft systems and various types of surface-to-air class missiles, which are either surplus or no longer needed by Bulgaria itself. The resolution states that during the next inventory of the Bulgarian army's arsenals, the Ministry of Defense should compile a list of surplus weaponry and materials and prepare a proposal for their transfer to Ukraine.

The parliament has also mandated the Ministry of Defense to take measures for Bulgaria to join the coalition of countries supporting Ukraine in acquiring F-16 fighters, although Bulgarian assistance will be limited to participating in joint training and providing airspace for that purpose.

Ultimately, the parliament agreed to authorize the training of up to four Ukrainian infantry and mechanized units in Bulgaria, with a maximum of 160 personnel per year.