**Bulgaria Votes Against Deploying Troops to Ukraine**
The Bulgarian parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a non-binding declaration that seeks to halt any deployment of military forces to Ukraine. The vote took place on February 21 and resulted in 166 lawmakers supporting the declaration, while 27 lawmakers voted against it and 11 abstained.
The declaration does not rule out Bulgarian forces participating in missions led by international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), EU, NATO, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Bulgarian parliament called for a lasting and just peace in Ukraine and believes peace can be achieved through negotiations that include all directly impacted parties.
Bulgaria has provided aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. However, the matter has been contentious due to significant pro-Russian sentiment in the country and opposition from President Rumen Radev.
**EU Leaders Discuss Peacekeeping Forces for Ukraine**
European leaders have increased discussions about sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in a potential peace settlement. Bulgaria’s decision not to deploy troops to Ukraine is seen as part of this broader effort.
The UK is reportedly leading a plan to have 30,000 peacekeeping troops deployed to Ukraine. However, the idea has been met with opposition from some countries, including Russia.
**Ukraine and US Negotiate Mineral Deal**
Ukrainian and U.S. officials negotiated a mineral deal all night into the morning on February 21 amid a rift between the two nations over the agreement. The details of the deal have not been made public.
**Public Opinion in Ukraine and Europe**
A poll released by Ukrainian polling firm Rating suggests that 91% of Ukrainians surveyed oppose peace negotiations between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine’s participation. In Denmark, 53% of people are in favor of sending peacekeepers into Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale war ends.
**Global Reaction to Events in Ukraine**
The conflict in Ukraine has led to significant economic and social changes for the country. The Center for Economic Strategy projects that between 1.7 and 2.7 million Ukrainians may permanently remain abroad, potentially reducing Ukraine’s annual GDP by 5.1% to 7.8%.
The EU is also looking to develop renewable energy faster to reduce its overall dependence on fossil fuels.
