Bulgaria to veto sanctions against Russia over Russian Patriarch
Bulgaria has announced that it is prepared to veto new European sanctions against Russia. The reason for this decision is the inclusion of the Russian Patriarch Kirill in the European Union's list of sanctioned individuals.
According to the official position of the Bulgarian government, imposing restrictions on clergy members is unacceptable. President Rumen Radev emphasized that our country cannot support measures that affect religious institutions and their leaders.
This decision places Bulgaria in a specific position regarding the common policy of the European Union. Currently, member states are discussing new packages of sanctions aimed at exerting pressure on Moscow due to the war in Ukraine.
The issue of sanctions against the Russian Patriarch has sparked discussions in other European capitals as well. Some countries support the idea of punitive measures, while others express concerns regarding freedom of religion and the diplomatic consequences.
The topic is expected to be discussed further at upcoming meetings of European leaders. The Bulgarian side remains firm in its intention to block the decision if the Patriarch's name is not removed from the list.