Bulgaria Blocks EU Sanctions Against Patriarch Kirill and Lukoil Chief

The removal of Patriarch Kirill from the 42-person sanctions list marks a significant retreat for Brussels, which has sought to penalize the church leader since the early months of the war for his public endorsement of the invasion. While previous attempts to target the Patriarch were blocked by Hungary under Viktor Orban, the mantle of opposition has passed to the Bulgarian government led by Prime Minister Rumen Radev.

Negotiators indicate that the exclusion of Vagit Alekperov is tied to Lukoil’s extensive market footprint within Bulgaria. The move highlights the internal friction within the EU as it attempts to finalize a broader sanctions package ahead of a July 13 meeting of foreign ministers. Beyond these high-profile omissions, the latest draft reflects a wider trend of dilution: restrictions on Russian fish imports have been softened, an automatic visa ban for ex-combatants has been scrapped, and a proposed oil price cap has been curtailed to a three-month duration. Meanwhile, member states including Greece and Austria continue to lobby for specific exemptions regarding natural gas shipments and banking interests, further complicating the bloc's efforts to present a unified front.