Radev in Ankara: Bulgaria bets on own defense capabilities and NATO unity.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who is leading the Bulgarian delegation at the NATO summit in Ankara, said before the start of the forum that the country is focusing its efforts on building its own defence capabilities, while global challenges require the Alliance to remain united.

According to him, by strengthening its national defence capacity, Bulgaria is becoming an important factor of stability in the Black Sea region, which is critical and strategically important for the Alliance.

The leaders of NATO countries are meeting today to discuss the state of the defence alliance.

Before taking part in the summit, Radev said he welcomed the decision by member states to strengthen their contribution to the Alliance’s common defence capabilities. He added that Bulgaria would continue to support Ukraine in line with its capabilities.

The prime minister noted that conflicts in the region, especially the armed clashes in Ukraine and the Middle East, clearly show European countries that guaranteeing the security of their citizens is an inherent responsibility that requires systematic efforts.

Radev stressed that the Bulgarian politicians who had promised the most financial support for Ukraine had done very little to develop the economy and secure funds in the budget. According to him, future support will be aligned with Bulgaria’s capabilities.

Turkey is hosting the 2026 NATO summit. Thirty-two state leaders and more than 100 ministers have arrived in the Turkish capital for the forum. Among them is U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived in Ankara yesterday.

Bulgaria is represented by Prime Minister Rumen Radev, and the delegation also includes Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova, Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov and Chief of Defence Admiral Emil Eftimov.

Radev expressed hope that a rational solution to the conflicts could be found. He warned that attempts to achieve a conventional victory over the largest nuclear power dramatically increase the risk of a nuclear response.

That is why we must create conditions for diplomacy and peace as soon as possible, not for escalation, he said.