Bulgaria to Assist Ukraine in Telecommunications Restoration and Join NATO Mission to Train Ukrainian Troops

Bulgaria's Council of Ministers has authorised members of the Bulgarian Armed Forces to participate in NATO's Security Training and Assistance to Ukraine (NSATU) operation.

This is stated in a statement by the Bulgarian government.

"By making this decision, our country clearly demonstrates its commitment to supporting Ukraine, upholding Euro-Atlantic values and reaffirms its solidarity with the Alliance in joint efforts to maintain international peace and security," the statement said.

The Bulgarian government added that, given the proximity of the war in Ukraine to Bulgaria's borders and the importance of this conflict for European security, "our country's contribution to NSATU is in line with the efforts of other Allies."

Bulgaria's Council of Ministers also approved a voluntary contribution to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Special Trust Fund for the restoration of telecommunications infrastructure in Ukraine destroyed by the Russian war in the amount of BGN 34,800, to be provided from the official development assistance budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

MSD has been supporting Ukraine's recovery since 2022 in line with Resolution 1408 "Assistance and support to Ukraine in the restoration of its telecommunications sector", adopted by the MSD Council on 7 April 2022. This support includes monitoring and reporting, coordination mechanisms, technical assistance, resource mobilisation and capacity building activities. A Coordination Working Group and a Special Trust Fund have been established to finance the necessary activities under the MSD.

The impact of the war on telecommunications and digital services in Ukraine is estimated at US$2.1 billion for compensation, US$2.27 billion for covering the losses incurred and US$4.67 billion for other reconstruction needs. MSD has developed project proposals for the restoration of 10 critical broadcasting facilities serving 5.1 million people.

In accordance with the Decision of the 48th National Assembly of 3 November 2022, providing support for the restoration of Ukraine's economy, infrastructure and energy sector is a priority of the foreign policy of the Republic of Bulgaria. The destroyed transmission stations in Ukraine fall under the scope of the so-called "critical civilian infrastructure", which is subject to constant and targeted attacks by Russia and suffers serious damage. In this regard, providing a voluntary contribution to the MSD Special Trust Fund will have a high added value, taking into account our country's commitment to post-war reconstruction. Ukraine Our country's contribution will support MSD's short-term efforts to restore Ukraine's telecommunications infrastructure and contribute to the development of long-term initiatives aimed at strengthening Ukraine's digital future.

Earlier, Bulgaria contributed 50 troops to the EU's EUMAM mission to support Ukraine, which also trained Ukrainian forces.