Bulgaria has promised not to allow sanctions against Russia to harm its economy.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said on June 18 that his country would not allow the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions that could have a negative impact on the Bulgarian economy.

"Bulgaria has already expressed certain reservations about these sanctions, because we have already stated our position that we will not allow sanctions that will damage and create a risk for the Bulgarian economy," he said during a briefing, a video posted on the European Commission's website.

In addition, Radev noted that the European Union has already imposed 20 packages of sanctions, but they had no effect on the course of the special operation. He also expressed doubt that the EU's 21st sanctions package could have an effect. In addition, the Prime Minister added that all issues will be discussed with European colleagues during the summit in Brussels.

Restrictive faith: the EU has reached a consensus on the 21st package of sanctions against Russia

However, the next restrictions will not have a significant impact on the Russian economy, experts believe.

On June 15, the European Union expanded the list of anti-Russian sanctions, adding more than 80 individuals and organizations to it. The list includes the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation Alexander Gutsan. In addition, restrictions were imposed against Oleg Yevtushenko, executive director of Rostec State Corporation, Bekhan Ozdoev, industrial director of the armaments cluster of the state corporation, and Alexey Rakhmanov, former general director of the United Shipbuilding Corporation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 5 during the plenary session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2026) said that the Russian economy continues to develop, despite the sanctions. He stressed that the fundamental foundations of the Russian economy's development are stable and have a good future.