Bulgarian parliament has officially approved a new military aid package for Ukraine, as reported by state-run news agencies on Wednesday.

The resolution encompasses the transfer of small-caliber automatic weapon ammunition that has been retired by the Interior Ministry, along with defective surface-to-air missiles designed for the Russian-made S-300 air defense systems.

The approval of the resolution was backed by key political players, including the Union of Democratic Forces (GERB-UDF), Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB), and the Movement for Rights and Freedom (HOH) parties.

Lawmaker Hristo Gadzhev, representing GERB-UDF, shared insights during a closed-door session, revealing that the missiles in question are currently out of active use, and attempts to repair them have proven unsuccessful.

However, not all political factions are in favor of the resolution. Opposition comes from the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP), the far-right Vazrazhdan party, and the populist There is Such People party (ITN).

Bulgaria's Defense Chief, Admiral Emil Eftimov, addressed concerns about the impact on Bulgaria's defense capabilities, stating that the arms transfer to Ukraine would not compromise the nation's defensive readiness.

Speaking on public broadcaster Radio Bulgaria, he clarified: “We have no intention of giving the entire S-300 missile complex until we find a replacement capability. Then a contract must be concluded, there must be a delivery, the staff must be trained — then we can think about this issue, but it will not be soon.”

This move signals Bulgaria's commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily, albeit with a cautious approach to ensure the country's own defense capabilities remain intact. The geopolitical implications and responses to this decision are closely monitored as the situation unfolds. (ILKHA)