Bulgaria's Ministry of Defense identifies Russian aggression as direct threat to global peace

This was reported by Euractiv.

"The unjustified war in Ukraine, which was started in complete violation of international law, caused damage of particularly large proportions to all spheres of social and economic life. The Russian armed forces committed systematic war crimes. This full-scale armed conflict has a significant impact not only on Ukraine and the region but in a global aspect," the statement reads.

Bulgaria's Ministry of Defense has released a report on the state of the country's defense and armed forces for 2022, which also includes Russian aggression, cyber threats and risks in the Black Sea region.

According to the report, the war has led to the expansion of Russia's hybrid subversive actions against NATO and the EU, which are aimed at

• creating internal political destabilization and social confrontation;

• obstructing decisions to strengthen the deterrence and defense capabilities of the North Atlantic Alliance;

• reducing solidarity, support for Ukraine, and timely and effective military assistance;

• continued dependence on energy supplies from Russia.

“Bulgaria was also subject to systemic Russian hybrid impacts, including through unilateral interruption of gas supplies, to influence sovereign national strategic decision-making,”  the report said, adding that the potential for destabilization of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina remains as a result of separatist initiatives by leaders who support Moscow.

Bulgaria stands in solidarity with Ukraine and appreciates its efforts to counter Russia's military aggression, and is also providing military assistance.

The statement concludes that the country must be a responsible and effective NATO ally.

• On March 29, it was reported that the Bulgarian National Association of Grain Producers blocked four border crossings, demanding that the regulation on duty-free grain imports not be extended to the country.