Dragomir Zakov

Bulgaria stands among 30 nations forging a Coalition in Kyiv to aid the safe return of Ukrainian children forcefully displaced by Russia from Ukraine's occupied territories. This international endeavor, marked by over 19,000 separated children, addresses an alarming crisis exacerbated by Russian actions violating global conventions.

Between 16 and 25% salary increases are foreseen in the army. This is what the resigned Defense Minister Dragomir Zakov told BTV.

"I signed the orders to increase the pay in the army before I left for the studio. The largest percentage increase will go to military positions," the minister said and clarified that the 16% increase is for the senior command staff.

"Ambassador Eleonora Mitrofanova categorically does not respect Bulgaria". This is what the resigned Defense Minister Dragomir Zakov thinks.

"The expulsion of the Russian diplomats is logical, when there is no respect, such steps follow," Defense Minister Dragomir Zakov said on BNT.

According to him, ways must be sought for the Russian state to continue to be represented in Bulgaria in a way that respects the dignity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.

The summit of NATO leaders in Madrid had exceptional security measures.

Important decisions are expected: For example, Russia to be declared a direct threat to European security, massive reinforcement of the Eastern Flank with more troops and equipment, and a large-scale support package for Ukraine.

"If there is no parliament, the project for the F-16 Block 70 will be restarted, it will not be clear at all what the price will be and it is unclear when the second 8 fighters will come at all. In the first quarter of 2025, we expect the first already paid planes".

This was stated to bTV this morning by the Minister of Defense Dragomir Zakov.

American F-35 fighters have landed at Graf Ignatievo Air Base as a continuation of the NATO mission to protect Bulgaria's airspace.

The statement came from NATO's Allied Air Command on Twitter but did not specify the number of aircraft.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov will pay a working visit to the United States. On May 9 and 10, Prime Minister Petkov will be in Washington, D.C.

Together with Petkov will be the Ministers of Energy Alexander Nikolov, the Ministers of Defense Dragomir Zakov, as well as the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova.

Bulgaria is ready to repair Ukrainian military machines in its factories

"Bulgaria is a reliable ally in NATO and whoever claims the opposite is telling lies." This is stated in a post by the Minister of Defense Dragomir Zakov on Facebook on the occasion of allegations that the United States is delaying the delivery of F-16 due to suspicions of information leaks to Russia.