Bulgarian Prime Minister Roman Radev, considered relatively close to Russia, announced his government will veto the European Union's new sanctions package against Russia, according to journalist Asaf Rozentzweig (N12). The move signals a fresh challenge to EU unity on the Russia file from Sofia.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Roman Radev confirmed his government would veto the latest EU sanctions package against Russia, in an announcement reported from Sofia. The new premier, considered relatively close to Moscow, has also requested an exemption for the Russian oil company Lukoil, warning the sanctions could harm Bulgaria's local economy, as The Zioneer reported earlier. Radev's stance follows a broader shift in Sofia since his government took office last month: his defense minister, Dimitar Stoyanov, halted arms deliveries to Ukraine and called for negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. The veto threat challenges EU consensus at a time when Brussels is advancing an expanded sanctions regime, including a ban on entry for Russian military personnel, as reported by N12 contributor Asaf Rozentzweig.
2 developments
- DevelopingBulgarian PM Radev says he will block 21st EU sanctions package against Russia
- DevelopingBulgarian PM Radev says Sofia will leave the 'coalition of the willing' for Ukraine
- DevelopingNew Bulgarian Defense Minister Halts Arms Supplies to Ukraine, Calls for Negotiations
- DevelopingEU approves 21st sanctions package against Russia after Greece lifts veto
Source and signal
- Open-source intake