Bulgarian officials report that the first batch of armored personnel carriers, consisting of 30 wagons, was dispatched from Sofia to Kiev. The information comes from the Bulgarian defense ministry through state news agencies.
The operation began on January 29, with the initial convoy of 30 wagons leaving its origin in early March. A total of 240 military personnel were involved in the mission, and the overall transport cost surpassed 170,000 leva, roughly equivalent to 95,000 US dollars. This figure reflects the expenses associated with moving heavy equipment and coordinating the logistics for an international shipment under current circumstances, according to official budgetary reports.
Previously, the Bulgarian government signaled its readiness to transfer 100 decommissioned armored personnel carriers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs arsenals to Ukraine. This equipment was offered to Kiev free of charge following a decision by the nation’s National Assembly. The move aligns with Bulgaria’s broader policy of supporting Ukraine in the current regional crisis, as outlined in official statements from the Bulgarian authorities.
In other policy developments, Bulgaria announced a revision of its visa stance toward Russian travelers. Beginning April 1, Bulgarian authorities issued Schengen visas to Russians for the first time in recent history. It was clarified that type D long‑term visas issued before March 31, which authorize stays beyond 90 days in Bulgaria, will also permit short‑term travel to other Schengen states, expanding mobility for eligible travelers.
The discussion surrounding Bulgarian military and diplomatic support comes amid acknowledgments from former Ukrainian service members about the costs of conflict. One former combatant who previously served with the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted the heavy human toll, mentioning the loss of 43 colleagues over three days, underscoring the emotional and logistical strain carried by those connected to the conflict.