The United States will provide "armored" support to the NATO command in Bulgaria
During the official visit to Bulgaria, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov held a joint press conference after their meeting.
Thanking the United States for its support to Bulgaria, Prime Minister Petkov said: “The war started by Vladimir Putin has put all of Europe at risk. Unfortunately, no state can now live with the delusion that it is safe alone. In this complex environment, no one can ensure their own safety on their own. Our security also depends on joint defense with our allies in NATO. We are NATO,”he said.
”The United States will send a company of Stryker armored vehicles to the NATO High Command unit in Bulgaria, Europe," Petkov said, explaining that they will offer the commander of this unit to be a Bulgarian officer, and they expect contributions from other NATO allies to the unit.
MILITARY ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE
Stressing that the issue of sending military aid to Ukraine was not discussed in any way during his talks with Minister Austin, Petkov said: “So far, only humanitarian aid, joint strategy and support for NATO's Eastern Wing have been mentioned. At this stage, a decision on military assistance is impossible, and (such a decision) can only be taken by parliament,” he said.
Petkov pointed out that humanitarian and other assistance has been provided to Ukraine, migrants are being housed, and quoted Ukrainian President Volodomir Zelenskiy thanking him for this during their talks.
“THE WAR IN UKRAINE IS A TRAGEDY”
Decressing that the war in Ukraine is a tragedy, Austin said: “Russia's attack has led to terrible loss of life among brave Ukrainian soldiers and innocent civilians. But at the same time, Russia's aggression united the Ukrainian people, NATO and the free world. Our cooperation in the field of defense between our countries has never been so strong. dec. Bulgaria continues its work in the field of defense with perseverance,” he said.
Noting the importance of the multinational military unit that the country is establishing under NATO command, Austin continued:
“We fully support this important step taken by Bulgaria. Our joint engagements will serve as an example for other allies. Bulgaria's military readiness and increasing its compliance with working with its allies are really key these days, as it faces one of the biggest security threats that Europe has not seen similar for generations.”
Lloyd Austin added that they will continue their efforts to achieve lasting peace in Europe.
On the first day of his visit, Austin examined joint training and exercises with the participation of Bulgarian and US soldiers at the Novo Selo ground forces range in southeastern Bulgaria. Today, Austin will meet with Bulgarian Defense Minister Dragomir Zakov before decommissioning the country.
