According to a recent report, the Bulgarian president vetoed the transfer of 100 decommissioned armored vehicles to Ukraine on Monday, December 4, just weeks after Bulgaria’s parliament approved the handover of vehicles no longer needed by Bulgaria’s military. While North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members like Bulgaria remain dedicated to supporting Ukraine’s fight to repel Russian aggression, it seems not all national interests are equal.
Bulgaria identified its Border Police General Directorate as lacking sufficient armored vehicles to safeguard the country’s borders. To address this issue, the Bulgarian army is currently providing transportation equipment. Additionally, the Bulgarian Ministry of the Interior’s “wartime tasks” were not adequately taken into account before receiving approval from parliament.
The Bulgarian president stated that the protection of the Bulgarian border is of utmost importance. While this action should not be seen as a reduction in support for Ukraine by NATO or Bulgaria, the Bulgarian border security forces will be better equipped to secure Bulgaria’s borders if the Ukraine conflict spills over the border. To achieve this, the formally mothballed equipment will be incorporated for domestic use instead of being transferred to Ukraine.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg issued a warning yesterday that there is a growing concern of a stalemate with Russia, and the allies may discuss whether to provide more aid to Ukraine. Each NATO member will continue to consider their individual national interests, such as their own border security, while also weighing in on the collective effort to support Ukraine’s fight, which may not result in a victory. Wars are an expensive way to reset the geopolitical situation. It is likely that the Bulgarian president, whose primary responsibility is to ensure Bulgaria’s security, is now assessing the requisite means of pursuing his own national interests.