Ursula von der Leyen Commends Bulgaria's Military Contributions to Ukraine and Reveals Plans to Expand Defense Production

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced during a press conference at the military mechanical factory in the city of Sopot that Bulgaria provided one-third of the weapons used by Ukraine at the beginning of the conflict.

Von der Leyen said: "I want to thank Bulgaria, as it supplied Ukraine with one-third of the weapons at the start of the war." She praised the country's plans to increase the production of gunpowder and NATO-caliber shells, noting that a large part of this production will be dedicated to Ukraine.

She added that this step will contribute to the creation of a thousand new job opportunities in Sopot, Bulgaria's largest ammunition factory, explaining that by the end of the year, shell production in the European Union will reach two million pieces with continued growth in production in the future.

Von der Leyen's visit to Bulgaria is part of a tour that includes what are known as the "frontline states" against Russia, which includes the Baltic states, Finland, Poland, Romania, and Bulgaria, where she visits military facilities and encourages the acceleration of efforts to enhance defense capabilities in Europe.