Bulgaria to Arm Coast Guard with Missiles in Response to Russian Threat

Bulgaria has begun arming its coast guard ships with missiles due to threats posed by Russia in the Black Sea. 

This announcement was made by the Bulgarian Prime Minister, Nikolai Denkov, as reported by Novinite.

According to Denkov, the purpose of this move is to ensure that "no one dares to approach our Black Sea cities." He emphasized that Bulgaria must develop its naval forces to be sufficiently prepared to defend the country.

While there is currently no direct threat to Bulgarian ports, Denkov stressed the principle of responding to force with force. He referred to Russia's advance on Varna in 1915, noting that the only way to counter such actions is through strength.

The Russian fleet carried out an artillery attack on the largest Bulgarian city on the Black Sea on October 14, 1915. This attack occurred while the residents of Varna were celebrating a Christian holiday. Civilian targets were struck, resulting in nine deaths and 38 injuries.

Denkov further stated that it is in Bulgaria's national interest to keep the frontlines as far away from its borders as possible. He justified Bulgaria's support for Ukraine by referring to Russian politicians' repeated statements that after Ukraine, the Baltic countries and Moldova could be next. He emphasized that it's time for Bulgarian citizens to open their eyes to the aggressor who seeks to reclaim its empire.

Bulgaria's Navy currently possesses three frigates, a patrol boat, three corvettes, and numerous minehunters.

On August 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a conversation with Denkov, asserted that Russia's aggressive behavior in the Black Sea necessitates cooperation among NATO members in the region.

Bulgarian Defence Minister Todor Tagarev previously stated that due to Russia's behavior, the possibility of a maritime conflict in the Black Sea cannot be ruled out.

As reported by The Gaze, Bulgaria is considering supplying Ukraine with approximately 100 units of Soviet-era armored vehicles. The transfer of this equipment is expected to begin from late September to early October.

It's worth noting that the former Bulgarian government under Kiril Petkov had sold arms to Ukraine through intermediaries. However, subsequent interim governments appointed by President Rumen Radev opposed direct arms deliveries to Kyiv. 

Todor Tagarev, the Defence Minister of the new pro-European government appointed in June, has advocated changing this policy and initiating direct arms sales to Ukraine. Reports indicate that the country is preparing a new batch of military assistance for Ukraine, including weapons and ammunition.