This country rejects military assistance for Ukraine

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin is on a two-day visit to Bulgaria for talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov and Defence Minister Dragomir Zakov, writes Euronews.

They will discuss US-Bulgarian defence co-operation and NATO plans to strengthen its eastern arm between the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Petkov has ruled out the possibility of providing military aid to Ukraine, but said his country, an ally of NATO will continue to offer humanitarian aid.

“Bulgaria will continue to do everything possible to help Ukrainians in this difficult fight and this great aggression that the Russian Federation has caused them,”, he told reporters.

But being so close to conflict, for now, military aid to Ukraine will not be possible. ”

Bulgaria, which is not limited to Ukraine but has accepted thousands of refugees, has agreed to host a new NATO troop contingent as part of the alliance's push to reinforce its eastern arm.

A battle group of up to 1,000 troops will be established under the operational command of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe.

The U.S. Secretary of Defense thanked Petkov for his support.

We also talked about the things our forces are doing together and of course we are grateful for his leadership and for Bulgaria's expectation of a battle group here,” said Austin.

Meanwhile, protesters gathered in a park near Bulgaria's Defence Ministry, while talks were taking place.

Surrounded by police, they cheered and held banners, while some waved Bulgarian and Russian flags.