site.btaMECh Leader Vasilev Warns that US Sanctions against Top Russian Oil Companies Will Impact Bulgaria’s National Security

The US sanctions against Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil directly affect Bulgaria in a negative way, MECh Chair Radostin Vasilev told journalists in the corridors of Bulgaria’s National Assembly on Thursday. According to Vasilev, the measures will impact Bulgaria’s national security, given the presence of Lukoil’s refinery in this country.

According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday imposed Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia for the first time in his second term, targeting oil companies Lukoil and Rosneft as his frustration grows with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war. The global news agency quoted the US Treasury Department as saying that it was prepared to take further action as it called on Moscow to agree immediately to a ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine. "We encourage our allies to join us in and adhere to these sanctions," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement, as quoted by Reuters.

Vasilev said in his comment that he expects fuel prices for the end consumer to rise. “There will be a huge problem with supplies if Lukoil continues to own the Bulgarian refinery,” he added. The MECh leader noted that on Friday his party will propose that the National Assembly vote on an investment expenditure to enable the state to acquire ownership of Lukoil’s Bulgarian refinery, Neftochim, in the seaside city of Burgas.