site.btaDefence Minister Comments on Munich Security Conference Agenda

Europe must increase its defense potential, Defence Minister Todor Tagarev said on the air of Bulgarian National Radio, while talking about topics discussed at the Munich Security Conference, where he participated in the past week.

"In the format of the Munich Security Conference, the hottest topics for the security of Europe and the world were discussed. What is most important from our point of view are the discussions related to increasing the deterrence and defense potential of NATO's Eastern Flank, providing support to Ukraine, the development of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and the prospects for its resolution. There are other topics, such as cyber security, critical infrastructure protection, the future of democracy versus autocracies," he explained.

Minister Tagarev also commented on Donald Trump's words that those who do not pay their way in NATO cannot count on solidarity under Art. 5 of the Alliance's collective defence treaty.

"NATO will not, as has been repeatedly stated, cede one square centimeter of territory to any aggressor. On the other hand, it is clear that all countries need to allocate more to defence. Two-thirds of countries already do so, others have plans to increase defence spending. There are still other countries that have not reached 2% of spending, but devote very large resources to providing assistance to Ukraine, which is also an important element of the strategy to ensure our security," said Tagarev.

He pointed out that there is also an possibility to add the position of European Commissioner for Defence in the next European Commission.

In connection with the capture Avdiivka by the Russian army,  Tagarev pointed out that Avdiivka has no operational, let alone strategic importance. It has local tactical significance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asked for clear and definite help, clear mechanisms to implement the decisions to introduce sanctions, which are not working well enough, so far, according to more and more critical voices, added the Minister.

Tagarev explained that during his participation in the forum, Zelenskyy also outlined the need for clear prospects for the future of Ukraine as part of the European Atlantic family.

When asked whether the 100 armored personnel carriers given by Bulgaria to Ukraine had already arrived, the Minister replied that this had not yet been reported to him.

"Some of them have been sent out, some of them are in preparation to be sent. We are talking about large train sets, the operation is underway," he explained.

Tagarev said that the country will continue providing ammunition. "Most of the companies in this sector are private. They intend to increase their capacity, including trough the new European instruments for co-financing activities," he added.

In connection with the death of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the Minister stated: "Total ruthlessness on part of this regime. The news that Alexei Navalny has died is confirmed. The fact is, that the regime in the Kremlin made it so."