NATO-EU member states benefit from arms exports to Ukraine.

Bulgaria's arms exports increased by 200% in 2022 amid the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, Bulgarian Economy Minister Bogdan Bogdanov told state television on July 17.

Last year, Bulgaria's exports of specialized weapons were worth 1.7 billion euros, equivalent to 2% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

“The Bulgarian arms industry is developing and the goal is to modernize production. We are trying to ensure a safe environment for those working in these factories,” Bogdanov said.

Bulgaria is attempting to quickly adapt its factories to produce NATO-standard 155 mm weapon systems and ammunition.

With its large stockpiles of Soviet weapons and equipment, as well as its thriving arms industry, Bulgaria could be a key ally for Ukraine in the fight against Russian forces.

However, in May 2022, the Bulgarian Parliament only voted in favor of repairing Ukrainian military equipment at factories in the "land of roses," rejecting the government's proposal to send a package of weapons to Kyiv.

By last December, the first arms package for Ukraine was approved, but this package mainly consisted of light weapons and ammunition, not heavy hardware.

Therefore, almost all of the 2022 output was exported through intermediaries to Ukraine, sources told the European news portal Euractiv. In 2022, Bulgaria exported to Kyiv mainly ammunition for Soviet-era weapon systems, the kind of weapons that Ukrainians largely depended on until modern Western weapons were introduced.

Entrance to the VMZ arms manufacturing plant in Sopot, Bulgaria, February 2023. Photo: NY Times

The export of weapons to Ukraine through intermediaries was a result of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev's non-confrontational stance. Now, with a more pro-Western government running the NATO and EU member state in the Balkans, this arms export is no longer taboo.

Ensuring the security of Bulgaria's arms industry is also a serious issue for Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov's government due to a series of sabotage attacks on military factories in recent years, which Bulgaria accuses Russia of carrying out.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Economy stated that the country has taken all necessary measures to enhance production security and the safety of workers in arms manufacturing plants.

“Currently, all safety measures have been implemented. In addition, extra security levels have been deployed for each site, not only at state-owned factories but also at private factories of the Bulgarian military industry,” Bogdanov said.

Bulgarian Defense Minister Todor Tagarev commented on July 17 that Bulgaria has been constantly receiving requests for what Ukraine needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.

"We are analyzing the possibilities of how our country can help," Tagarev explained, adding that "preparations are being made for sending a third package of military aid to Ukraine."

“Bulgaria is one of the major munitions producers in Europe, international interest in Bulgarian military factories is very serious, and there are many good opportunities to attract EU investment,” the Bulgarian Defense Minister added .

Minh Duc (According to Euractiv, RFE/RL)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/quoc-gia-thanh-vien-nato-eu-huong-loi-tu-xuat-khau-vu-khi-sang-ukraine-a617754.html