Bulgaria Blocks EU Sanctions on Russian Church Head and Lukoil Founder, Halting Broader Package

Bulgaria vetoed European Union sanctions against Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Vagit Alekperov, founder of Lukoil, during closed-door negotiations, Euronews reported. The names were removed from a draft sanctions package at an extraordinary meeting of ambassadors on Sunday, several diplomats confirmed.

The overall deal on the package did not materialize, though progress occurred toward a conclusion this week.

Prime Minister Rumen Radev publicly confirmed Bulgaria's intention to veto sanctions on Patriarch Kirill last month. "What message are we sending when we extend sanctions and war into the sphere of religion? " Radev said.

He added that the era of the Crusades is over and expressed concern for millions of people belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which shares faith and historical ties with Bulgaria's church. Radev also opposed blacklisting Alekperov, arguing it would amount to shooting Bulgaria in the foot due to a €3 billion compensation claim by Lukoil against the state takeover of the Neftohim Burgas refinery.

Sanctions forced Lukoil to sell international operations. The refinery, which generates billions in annual turnover, no longer uses Russian oil. Alekperov stepped down as Lukoil president in 2022 but retained shares.

The European Union first attempted to blacklist Patriarch Kirill in 2022, when Hungary blocked the move on religious freedom grounds. This spring the new Hungarian government signaled readiness to shift position, allowing Kirill's name to return to a draft list before Bulgaria's opposition halted it.