R. Radev: ‘Bulgaria is part of the efforts to de-escalate the Ukrainian crisis’

“Bulgaria is participating in the efforts to de-escalate the tension and the crisis between Russia and Ukraine,” Bulgarian President Rumen Radev told reporters today, asking him to comment. The head of state noted that this crisis threatens the security of Bulgaria, the region and Europe as a whole. “It’s a global crisis. The dialogue there is at the highest level, between the US and Russia, NATO and Russia, the EU and Russia,” Radev said.

“We must all work to prevent a military solution to this crisis, which cannot be resolved by military means. A diplomatic solution can be sought and all efforts are aimed at that goal,” he said.

“We need to be clear that neglecting the problems of the armed forces and our commitments as allies is the worst threat to national security,” Radev said when asked about a meeting on February 15 at which The National Security Advisory Board will consider the risks and threats to national security and the state of the armed forces. According to President Radev, who is also the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, “the commitment of the country’s leadership to the development of the armed forces must be firm and focused instead of being limited to individual acquisitions of new material and equipment.”

Today, Radev was briefed on an analysis of the situation and training of the armed forces in 2021, which was presented by the Chief of Defense, Admiral Emil Eftimov.

“We proposed a more flexible and broader concept for the creation of a battalion-sized battle group in Bulgaria,” Eftimov said after the presentation. “Based on a mechanized battalion with special combat support elements, we enable the allies to assist us with certain elements to address the shortcomings of our armed forces,” the Chief of Defense explained.

“There are various options, and a wide range of countries that want to participate can be attracted. Our idea is to quickly show that Bulgaria and its armed forces, together with their allies, are able to demonstrate deterrent building capabilities. force “, clarified the admiral.

President Radev, for his part, said that the battalion-sized battle group could not solve Bulgaria’s national security problems, but that it was important to set it up, because it meant interoperability with allies, the ability to form the necessary capabilities together and address shortcomings. arising from erroneous or unadulterated decisions in previous years to support the development of the armed forces. “In this way we can show together that we can respond to any crisis,” President Radev said in response to a question.

He reiterated that the development of the armed forces and compatibility with partners is the best guarantee for Bulgaria’s national security.

Asked if the country could meet its 224% GDP target for defense spending in 2024, Radev said the issue would be on the agenda of a meeting of the National Security Advisory Council.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ

Source: Capital

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