Reducing tensions is a top priority for the Bulgarian government, Premier Kiril Petkov noted at an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly. Bulgaria’s Parliament requested the hearing of Premier Petkov, Bulgaria’s Minister of Defense and this country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in a moment of growing tension between NATO and Russia. "We have stated from the very beginning that we will be a constructive ally in NATO and our position is clear - Bulgaria is and shall be a responsible ally with a predictable position", Prime Minister Petkov noted.

Earlier today, the Council of Ministers has decided to give preference to the Bulgarian strategy for reducing tension between NATO and the Russian Federation, and to make use of absolutely all options for resolving this dispute by diplomatic means, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports.

After today’s cabinet sitting, at which Defence Minister Stefan Yanev delivered a report on the NATO-Russia situation, Prime Minister Kiril Petkov announced that Bulgaria’s defence strategy will be built on the basis of the Bulgarian army and its financial recovery. According to Defence Minister Stefan Yanev, money will be invested in building a battalion combat team as a top priority of the country’s defence capabilities within NATO. No Bulgarian soldier will take part in a conflict or operation on the territory of Ukraine or another country without such a decision being taken in the National Assembly, Stefan Yanev noted.

"Bulgaria shapes its position on the basis of the national legislation, taking into account the national interests and the interests of its allies", this country's Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodora Genchovska said during the hearing in Parliament. According to Minister Genchovska, whatever additional measures in place, including military ones, it should be quite clear that they have defense implications and do not aim to escalate tension.