“This Is Not About Individuals”: Radev Explains Bulgaria’s Stance on Russia Sanctions

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said that Sofia defended its national interests during discussions on the European Union’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, while the decision not to join the so-called “Coalition of the Willing” was motivated by the need to seek a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine. Speaking at the start of the government meeting, Radev said Brussels had taken into account Bulgaria’s objections regarding three individuals included in the sanctions discussions: Russian Patriarch Kirill, Lukoil owner Vagit Alekperov, and Makhmudov, the head of the association supplying spare parts for Sofia’s metro locomotives. “I want to make it clear that this is not about individuals....