Bulgaria’s parliament on Friday approved an arms donation to Ukraine to help the country resist Russian aggression, after months of debate between pro-Russian and pro-Western parties in the country, the only member of NATO and the European Union that, along with Hungary, has not yet sent such aid.

The sending of military equipment, mainly anti-aircraft, was supported by 166 deputies from the Euro-Atlantic formations and rejected by 48 representatives of the Socialist Party and the ultra-nationalist pro-Russian formation “Vozrazhdane” (“Revival”), reports the EFE agency, citing. from Agerpres.

Socialists, who believe that such aid is drawn into the war and contributes to its continuation, have asked President Rumen Radev, who is considered pro-Russian, to veto the shipment of weapons to Ukraine.

In the past, Radev assessed that sending weapons to Ukraine contradicts national security and reduces Bulgaria’s defense capability.

Although the type of weaponry to be sent is being kept secret, military sources told EFE news agency that a significant number of 23mm anti-aircraft guns, an older model with Soviet technology but used by Ukraine, will already be transferred for effective fire. downed Iranian drones, with which Russia periodically bombs this country.

Earlier this month, Acting Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov said Bulgaria would not send S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems or MiG-29 or Su-25 fighter jets.

For his part, Acting Prime Minister Galab Donev previously stated that the materials sent will be used for training and not on the battlefield.

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