Russian Patriarch Kirill (left), Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev, then President (right)
Russian state and business media have broadly highlighted Bulgaria’s stance on parts of the European Union’s proposed 21st sanctions package against Russia, focusing in particular on Sofia’s objections to energy-related measures and the possible inclusion of Russian Patriarch Kirill on the sanctions list, BGNES reports.
The state news agency TASS reported under the headline that Bulgarian authorities do not support certain elements of the new sanctions round. It cited Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova as saying that Bulgaria does not back measures that, in her assessment, could harm both Russia and EU member states. TASS underlined that Sofia’s position is linked to concerns over energy stability and national interests, and also drew attention to objections regarding sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, which Bulgaria considers largely symbolic and potentially counterproductive.
RIA Novosti also focused on the same aspects, emphasizing Bulgaria’s refusal to support sanctions affecting the energy sector and Patriarch Kirill. The agency reiterated the Bulgarian argument that such measures could open the door to accusations of EU interference in church affairs. It also placed the remarks within a broader narrative, referencing Moscow’s longstanding position that Russia’s economy has adapted to sanctions pressure and that Western restrictions form part of a sustained containment strategy.
