Lauge Risom Koch 
Bulgaria has announced it will oppose certain proposed EU sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting Patriarch Kirill and restrictions affecting Lukoil.
Bulgaria will not support certain proposed European Union sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and restrictions that could directly affect oil giant Lukoil, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova said on Wednesday.
The comments come as EU member states continue negotiations on a new package of sanctions linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Sofia’s position
According to Digi24, citing Agerpres and AFP, Petrova said Bulgaria supports sanctions that have a real economic impact on Russia but opposes measures that are largely symbolic or could harm EU member states more than Moscow.
“The Bulgarian position is very clear. We support sanctions that have an economic effect, that do not penalize member states more than the country at war, and that are not symbolic,” she told reporters in Sofia.
As a result, Bulgaria will not back sanctions against Patriarch Kirill or measures that directly affect Lukoil and its subsidiaries.
Warning over propaganda
According to Digi24, citing Agerpres and AFP, Petrova argued that sanctioning the head of the Russian Orthodox Church could backfire politically.
She warned that such a move would create “a fertile ground for anti-European propaganda” by allowing critics to portray the EU as interfering in religious affairs.
The minister also questioned the practical impact of freezing Kirill’s financial assets, describing the proposal as symbolic rather than necessary.
EU discussions continue
Earlier this week, the EU added 81 individuals and entities to its sanctions list over their alleged support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, negotiations continue on what would become the bloc’s 21st sanctions package since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Sources: Digi24, Agerpres, AFP
