Bulgaria and Ukraine Forge a Decade-Long Security Agreement Amid Political Tensions

On March 30, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Bulgaria's interim Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov signed a ten-year security cooperation agreement in Kyiv. This agreement formalizes Bulgaria's commitment to military assistance for Ukraine, including joint production of arms such as drones and ammunition under the European Union's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. The deal also encompasses cooperation in intelligence, countering hybrid threats, and energy initiatives, including a proposed gas corridor that could deliver up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Ukraine.

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Gyurov emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “We are working to ensure an active energy corridor,” while Zelensky described the partnership as a strengthening of both nations. The agreement follows a decision by Bulgaria's Council of Ministers in October 2024 to enhance cooperation with Ukraine.

Ukraine and Bulgaria signed a security cooperation agreementUkraine and Bulgaria signed a 10-year security agreementUkraine, Bulgaria Sign 10-Year Security Agreement Covering Defense, EnergyBalkan InsightKyiv Independent

The signing of the agreement has sparked significant political backlash in Bulgaria, particularly from pro-Russian factions. The far-right Revival party condemned the agreement, labeling Gyurov's government as "unlawful" and calling for immediate arrests of interim ministers. The Bulgarian Socialist Party, traditionally aligned with Moscow, criticized the agreement as exacerbating divisions in the country ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections on April 19, where pro-Russian parties are currently leading in polls.

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Bulgaria's political landscape has been polarized since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with governing coalitions often comprising opposing forces, such as the pro-EU We Continue the Change party and the pro-Russian Socialist Party. Despite these tensions, Bulgaria has emerged as a significant supplier of military aid to Ukraine, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noting that a substantial portion of weapons used in Ukraine originated from Bulgaria.

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In a joint press conference, Zelensky expressed gratitude for Bulgaria's support, highlighting the strategic importance of the agreement for both nations' security. Gyurov reiterated Bulgaria's commitment to supporting Ukraine's EU accession and enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

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The backlash from pro-Russian parties in Bulgaria underscores the contentious nature of military support for Ukraine within the country. Critics argue that the agreement could deepen existing divisions and complicate Bulgaria's political landscape as it approaches elections.

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As Bulgaria prepares for its parliamentary elections, the interim government led by Gyurov is expected to dissolve once a new Council of Ministers is formed. The political implications of the security agreement will likely be a focal point in the upcoming electoral debates, particularly as pro-Russian sentiments remain strong among certain voter blocs.

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• “We appreciate the great experience Ukraine has on protecting critical infrastructure as well as ensuring freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” — Andrey Gyurov, Interim Prime Minister of Bulgaria

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• “This corridor could amount to around 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year that Ukraine can receive,” Zelensky stated.” — Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine

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• “the unlawful Prime Minister of Bulgaria has signed an unlawful contract with the unlawful President of Ukraine” — Revival Party Statement

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This agreement marks a pivotal moment in Bulgaria's foreign policy, reflecting ongoing tensions between pro-European and pro-Russian factions within the nation.

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