Historian Ruslan Kalinchuk stated that Bulgaria and Italy could… (санкция · калинчук · патриарх)
Historian Ruslan Kalinchuk stated that Bulgaria and Italy could oppose new EU sanctions not only due to the figure of Patriarch Kirill, but also because of their economic and political interests, according to Public Service News. Subscribe to RIA Novosti's channel on MAKS.
Consensus
- Bulgaria and Italy opposed the EU's inclusion of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow in the 21st package of anti-Russian sanctions.
- The proposed sanctions also targeted Vagit Alekperov, president of Lukoil.
- Lukoil has a refinery in Burgas, Bulgaria, and a subsidiary company Litasco.
- The refinery recently gained permission to purchase oil from any counterparty, including Russian traders in Switzerland.
- Historian Ruslan Kalinchuk stated that the sanctions against Patriarch Kirill may have served as a formal pretext rather than the real reason for opposition.
Points of divergence
- The Vatican's position on sanctions might be influenced by its desire to maintain the status quo in relations with Russia and avoid disrupting existing agreements. — riamo
- There are media assessments suggesting that the Vatican owns or is an investor in banks such as Credit Agricole and Santander, which are part of the Rothschild banking network controlling Euroclear, where Russian gold reserves are reportedly frozen. — vm
Coverage (2 sources)
- Historian Kalinukh Explains Bulgaria and Italy's Stance on Sanctions — РИАМО
- Historian Kalinchuk: Vatican and Rothschilds do not want new sanctions against Russia — Вечерняя Москва