Sofia Backs EU Pressure on Russia to bring it to negotiations with Ukraine

The Bulgarian government has approved the country's position on the European Union's 21st package of sanctions against Russia and Belarus, the government's press office announced.

The position reaffirms the reservations expressed by Prime Minister Rumen Radev regarding certain elements of the sanctions package. Bulgaria supports the EU's policy of exerting pressure on Russia with the aim of engaging it in meaningful negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, the government said.

Bulgaria also calls for adherence to the fundamental principle that sanctions should increase pressure on Russia without causing significant adverse consequences for EU member states.

The country will continue to maintain its objections on three issues: the possible inclusion of Russian Patriarch Kirill on the EU sanctions list, the proposed sanctions against Russian businessman Vagit Alekperov, owner and former chairman of Lukoil, and a matter concerning the import of spare parts for the Sofia metro system, the government's position states.

Edited by Ivo Ivanov