Details from the "Kyiv Declaration": Between the commitment to air defense and the MFA's position on the lack of legal force

The main parameters of the "Kyiv Declaration," which was signed by Bulgaria and eight other countries during the "Ukraine – Southeast Europe" meeting, have become known. The document focuses on strengthening international support for Kyiv's air defense and the introduction of stricter sanctions against Russia.

According to the text, one of the priorities is the mobilization of financial resources to protect Ukrainian critical infrastructure and the civilian population. Particular attention is drawn to the clause regarding the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," in which the signatories express readiness to increase their participation to ensure security guarantees for Ukraine.

However, this position seems to contradict earlier statements by the Bulgarian leadership. In the context of the contradictions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) provided an explanation that has not been published on its official website. The ministry emphasizes that the declaration is not legally binding and that Bulgaria is not committed to greater participation in the "Coalition of the Willing."

"The position of the Bulgarian government remains unchanged – Bulgaria is not in a position to provide financial and military support to Ukraine on a bilateral basis, but continues to fulfill its commitments through the EU and NATO," the MFA clarifies. According to the ministry, Bulgaria's contribution will be primarily directed towards Ukraine's energy security and economic cooperation.

On the other hand, the official website of the Ukrainian presidency reports that during the meeting, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova emphasized Bulgaria's interest in cooperating with Kyiv in drone production and the need to pressure Russia to return to the negotiating table.