site.btaDRF Says Defence of Freedom, Peace Cannot Be Based on Sending Bulgarian Troops to Ukraine

Democracy, Rights and Freedoms (DRF) stated a firm position that the defence of freedom and peace cannot be based on sending Bulgarian troops to Ukrainian territory. The statement was published on the parliamentary group's Facebook page on Tuesday.

"We share the position of President [Rumen] Radev, we consider this to be the responsible approach to national security and international relations in the context of the complex geopolitical situation. It is also in line with the expectations of Bulgarian society for a balanced foreign policy course," the statement reads.

The parliamentary group underlined its "unconditional support for the Ukrainian people in their struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity":

"Guided by the principles of international law and the UN Charter, we stress that what is happening in Ukraine is a threat to global peace and security. Bulgaria has always stood on the side of freedom, democracy and the right of peoples to determine their future. We have assisted, are assisting and will continue to assist Ukraine in its efforts to defend freedom, while at the same time making efforts to overcome the humanitarian crisis caused by military aggression," the position states.

DRF stressed that sustainable and just peace can only be achieved through diplomatic means and dialogue, but there can be no peace agreement for Ukraine without Ukraine. In this context, the European Union must play a leading role as a guarantor of the international legal order and as an architect of a peaceful solution to be reached with and by Ukraine itself, the parliamentary group added.

Earlier on Tuesday, President Radev was adamant that he firmly opposes Bulgaria sending troops to Ukraine in any form. 

The matter of Bulgaria's engagement in Ukraine resurfaced after the US asked its European allies to fill out a questionnaire detailing how many troops and capabilities they could deploy in Ukraine as security guarantees to end the war. Former Bulgarian defence minister and diplomat Boiko Noev said on National Radio on Sunday that Bulgaria should be at the forefront of the nations that support the security and independence of Ukraine.