The decision to send our troops to Ukraine is the exclusive prerogative of the parliament. This is stated in a position statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to BTV, in connection with a request sent by the US to European countries.
Questions about possible participation in the process of ensuring security in Ukraine have been received both bilaterally - through the US Embassy in our country and through our Permanent Delegation to NATO, the Foreign Ministry specifies.
And more: "Bulgaria's position is categorical that Ukraine must receive clear and reliable guarantees for its security. "It should, of course, take into account both Ukraine's sovereign right to choose its security arrangements and the need to reach consensus among allies."
Yesterday, Reuters reported that the United States had asked its European allies to say what they would need to participate in security arrangements in Ukraine and to outline how they see lasting guarantees for this.
The document, which Reuters said it had seen, consisting of six points and questions, also asks which countries could contribute to the guarantees, whether they would be willing to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a peace solution, and the size of a possible European-led force.
A U.S. State Department spokesman said Washington "has made it clear that it expects European partners to take the lead in creating a lasting security framework and expects eagerly awaiting their proposals".
The position sent today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that "the peace negotiation process must be based on the principled position that nothing for Ukraine can be decided without Ukraine. Ukraine must decide on the conditions for peace, bearing in mind that a just and lasting peace is possible only with respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the country. The Ukrainian people have their legitimate right to freely choose their own future".
And further: "The EU must be present at the negotiating table when the future of Ukraine is discussed, as it directly affects the security and stability of Europe itself. Bulgaria, as an ally on NATO's Eastern Flank and a Black Sea country, will be directly affected by the agreements reached".
"Europe is a natural ally of the United States and must be an equal participant in diplomatic efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine. The US commitment to the implementation of future peace agreements for Ukraine is an imperative and key factor for the sustainability of the process and for security both on the European continent and globally".
"It is of key importance that the EU and NATO remain united in these difficult times in support of Ukraine and demonstrate leadership", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also wrote.
Is there a request to send our troops?
"The document sent by the US through official channels aims to consult with European partners on all possible aspects concerning the process of ensuring security in Ukraine.
A possible decision to participate in a Bulgarian military contingent in Ukraine within the framework of a mission to ensure security and peace will depend on the type of future peace agreements that will be reached. Such a decision is an exclusive prerogative of the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria," the document sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also states.