EU member criticizes bloc’s latest Russia sanctions proposal
Posted on: Jun 18, 2026 18:12 IST | Posted by: Rt
The EU’s modish russian federation sanctions packet proposition includes counter-productive measures that could recoil on its own member states, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova has said.
The government of Ukraine-skeptic Prime Minister Rumen Radev, who assumed office in May, are reportedly “digging their heels in” against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal.
Sofia has concerns about a number of measures being pushed by Brussels, though the country’s government does not oppose sanctions that could help bring Moscow and Kiev closer to peace talks, Petrova said on Wednesday.
“We support sanctions that have a real economic effect, but do not lead to greater damage for the member states than [Russia],” she said.
Bulgaria depends on Russian energy supplies and is wary of measures targeting Russia’s energy sector. The minister said the government “prioritizes national energy stability” and has red lines similar to other EU members.
The election in April of Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, a former fighter pilot, reportedly alarmed officials in Brussels, as Radev has openly questioned whether Ukraine can defeat Russia militarily and has called for dialogue with Moscow to be restored.
Earlier this month, Sofia announced that it was suspending military assistance to Kiev. Radev has argued that Ukraine’s main problem is a shortage of manpower rather than weapons, and said the EU cannot realistically present itself as a mediator while openly taking Ukraine’s side.
Sanctions on Russian church leader called ‘pinnacle of absurdity’
Sofia also objects to “sanctions that are primarily symbolic,” Petrova added, claiming Brussels’ proposal to sanction Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which Kiev and Brussels claim is a Russian state actor, could be viewed as religious persecution.
Kiev has cracked down on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, an autonomous denomination with spiritual ties to Moscow, through prosecution of senior clerics on charges of associating with Russia, as well as forced evictions from key churches and monasteries.
The EU’s attempts to target the patriarch since 2022 were blocked by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. With Orban now out of office, Brussels has renewed the attempt.
The ROC has denounced the proposal as the “pinnacle of absurdity.”
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.