The Office of the President of Ukraine has disclosed the specifics of a newly signed bilateral security agreement with Bulgaria. Formalized in Kyiv on March 30, this milestone marks the 29th security pact executed by Ukraine in accordance with the G7 Joint Declaration. Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, confirmed the details of the comprehensive 10-year accord.
The agreement establishes firm commitments from Sofia regarding sustained military assistance, encompassing the delivery of critical weaponry, machinery, and equipment sourced from European, American, and Ukrainian manufacturers. A significant portion of the pact is dedicated to capacity building. Bulgaria will expand its training programs for Ukrainian armed forces through bilateral channels as well as EU and NATO missions. This systematic preparation covers specialized areas such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic warfare (EW), counter-drone operations, special operations, and language courses for Ukrainian pilots and military personnel.
Both nations have pledged to closely integrate Ukraine’s defense-industrial complex into the broader European defense-technological framework. Utilizing EU instruments like EDIS, EDIP, and SAFE, the partners aim to foster joint production and localize defense manufacturing within Ukraine. Furthermore, the pact broadens security cooperation to include intelligence sharing and resilience against cyberattacks, disinformation, and hybrid threats. A dedicated clause addresses Black Sea security, emphasizing joint efforts in maritime demining, safe navigation, and regional stability.
Politically, the document cements Bulgaria’s unwavering support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO, offering its own integration experience to assist Kyiv's reform process. Crucially, the 10-year agreement includes a rapid response mechanism: in the event of renewed or escalated aggression, the two nations will hold emergency consultations within 24 hours to coordinate joint actions.
In a related development, the Bulgarian government announced its intention to participate in the PURL initiative to procure American-made weapons for Ukraine. This security pact coincides with the first intergovernmental consultations between the two countries in Kyiv, which resulted in a roadmap for enhanced cooperation in energy and maritime security.
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