Russia

Bulgaria is against certain anti-Russian sanctions — Foreign Minister

TASS English · 2026-06-17

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova announced that the country does not support certain anti-Russian sanctions being prepared by the EU, particularly those that could harm EU member states and energy stability. • Why it matters: Bulgaria's stance highlights divisions within the EU regarding the effectiveness and consequences of sanctions against Russia, particularly in the context of energy security and economic impacts on member countries. • What to watch next: Observers should monitor the EU's response to Bulgaria's position and any potential adjustments to the proposed sanctions package, as well as the broader implications for EU unity on foreign policy.

Anti-Russian sanctionsBulgaria is against certain anti-Russian sanctions — Foreign Minister According to Velislava Petrova-Chamova, Sofia does not support sanctions that inflict damage to EU member-countriesSOFIA, June 17. /TASS/. Bulgarian authorities do not support a portion of the 21st anti-Russian sanction package being prepared, Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova said at a briefing. "Our position is utterly clear. We do not support sanctions that do not only inflict economic damage to the warring country but to a much greater extent inflict damage to [EU] member-countries. We do not support sanction initiatives related to energy, we need to provide for energy stability of the country," the minister said. Bulgaria does not also support symbolic sanctions related to Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, the minister stressed. "They have no economic effect and may be counter-productive," Petrova-Chamova added. 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Source: TASS English
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