Bulgarian Defense Minister: "Do Not Want Additional NATO Troops Deployed... Unnecessary Escalation of Tensions"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Stefan Yanev, Bulgaria's Minister of Defense, stated that NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is considering deploying additional troops to his country in response to Russia's military buildup near the Ukrainian border, but he opposes the move, saying it could provoke unnecessary tensions.

His remarks are interpreted as concerns that, with the increasing possibility of Russian military provocations against Ukraine, Bulgaria might become a battlefield. As the interests of various countries conflict, there are also forecasts that NATO may face difficulties in conducting unified military operations related to the Ukraine issue.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 21st, Minister Yanev said on his Facebook, "I have been informed that NATO is considering deploying additional troops to Bulgaria and Romania as one of the response options to Russia," and added, "Such measures do not align with the interests of Bulgaria or NATO member countries and may only escalate unnecessary tensions," expressing his opposition.

This plan is known to have been reviewed within NATO following U.S. President Joe Biden's phone calls with leaders of NATO member countries in Eastern Europe. Earlier, on the 9th, President Biden held successive calls with leaders of nine Eastern European NATO countries?Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia?to discuss security issues.

If Bulgaria officially announces its opposition to the additional deployment of NATO troops, other Eastern European countries bordering Russia are also likely to oppose the deployment, making it difficult for NATO forces to conduct unified military activities to deter Russia.

Meanwhile, earlier on the same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin made strong remarks regarding the Ukraine issue, significantly heightening military tensions between NATO and Russia surrounding Ukraine. According to Russia's TASS news agency, President Putin said at a meeting with senior Russian military officials, "They must remember that we have nowhere left to retreat." He further warned, "If the aggressive actions of Western countries continue, we will take appropriate military response measures."