Bulgaria Blocks EU Sanctions on Russian Patriarch and Lukoil Founder

Rumen Radev, the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, successfully blocked the European Union from sanctioning Patriarch Kirill and Lukoil founder Vagit Alekperov during negotiations for the 21st sanctions package. Radev opposed sanctioning Kirill on religious and cultural grounds, arguing that targeting the head of an Eastern Orthodox church would be akin to a crusade. He further contended that sanctions against Alekperov would threaten a €3 billion compensation claim Lukoil filed against the state takeover of the Neftohim Burgas refinery.

Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova confirmed that both individuals, as well as a Russian citizen linked to the Sofia metro system, were removed from the draft. This concession allowed Bulgaria to agree to support the measures. Despite this resolution, the 21st sanctions package remains without final approval due to separate objections from Greece regarding energy and Austria regarding financial measures.