All decisions related to Bulgarian security are made by the government and are not imposed by NATO, Minister of Defense Stefan Yanev said at the opening of the annual conference of the Chief of Defense. "Tensions along  Ukraine's border have negative consequences for Bulgaria's national security. "The trend of lasting change in the strategic military balance of forces in the Black Sea region continues," Minister Yanev said. He added that the possibility of US military participation in the formation of a Bulgarian battalion will be discussed with the US State Department.

Competitions for all vacant military positions will be held this year, the Minister of Defense also said. Attracting staff will be done by raising salaries and providing greater social benefits for the military.

There is shortage of about 5,000 soldiers, according to statistics. The procedure for acquiring new armored vehicles for the infantry will be renewed, Minister Yanev added.

The buildup of Russian troops on Ukraine's borders is a threat to the region, the minister told the forum. Moscow is gaining a strategic advantage and upsetting the balance of power in the Black Sea, the Defense Minister said.