Julianne Smith

There is No Threat of Bulgaria being drawn into a Conflict - For Now

"I have always said that Russia is currently a risk to our national security. There is no other opinion on the matter. But for now, there is no direct threat that involes Bulgaria, as well as NATO, in a military conflict."

This was stated today by the acting Minister of Defense Dimitar Stoyanov to Bulgarian journalists in Brussels.

Joining NATO in the summer?

According to unnamed U.S. officials, the two countries' membership in the alliance has become a "topic of discussions and numerous meetings" in talks between NATO foreign ministers. Finland is expected to submit the request in June, followed by Sweden.