Bulgaria's government, led by PM Rumen Radev, opposes key measures in the EU's latest Russia sanctions package, citing concerns over energy stability and what it sees as symbolic or religiously persecutory actions, such as sanctioning Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated that Bulgaria will not permit sanctions against Russia that would harm its economy. He also expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of EU sanctions and opposed measures targeting Patriarch Kirill.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced new energy sanctions against Russia, targeting its shadow fleet and finance networks, and a two-year deal to supply Ukraine's nuclear plants with enriched uranium, during the G7 summit.
The US House of Representatives passed the Ukraine Support Act, authorizing $1 billion in security/reconstruction aid and $8 billion in loans to Ukraine, along with stringent sanctions on Russia, despite facing a Senate uphill battle and a likely veto from President Trump.
Russia's Foreign Ministry sanctioned 17-year-old British student Alexander Browder, founder of the Global Cryptocurrency Laundering Database, for exposing alleged Moscow-backed crypto money laundering operations. He is believed to be the youngest person sanctioned by Russia.
Russia's Foreign Ministry announced retaliatory sanctions against five British journalists and experts, citing their involvement in spreading "disinformation" and "slanderous speculation" about Russia's policies and the Ukraine conflict. The move is a response to what Moscow calls "provocative anti-Russian rhetoric" and UK support for Ukraine.
Russia has imposed sanctions on five British journalists, banning them from entering the country. The Foreign Ministry cited the dissemination of 'slanderous fabrications and false information about the policies of the Russian leadership' as the reason.
The UK has issued a licence indefinitely allowing imports of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude oil if refined in third countries, reversing a ban imposed last year. The move comes amid fears of jet fuel shortages due to Middle East conflict and follows similar rollbacks in the US and EU.
EU leaders are considering extending the renewal period for sanctions against Russia from six months to a year. This move, discussed by diplomats, aims to strengthen the sanctions' credibility and reduce administrative burdens, especially after Hungary's former PM Viktor Orbán, who previously blocked such extensions, left office.
A bipartisan petition with 218 signatures will force a House vote on a bill providing over $1 billion in security aid to Ukraine and $8 billion in loans, despite concerns over timing as Russia launches a massive drone attack killing 6 and wounding dozens.
Florian Philippot of the Patriots party wants to lift Russia sanctions, claiming the EU energy ban is against France’s interests Read Full Article at RT.com
Margus Tsahkna said the restrictions will be "quite tough"
The European Union’s latest Russia sanctions package, its twentieth so far, brings crypto settlement squarely into an already fractured geopolitical spotlight. Adopted on April 23, the package adds 120 new listings and rolls out financial measures that touch just about every corner of Russia’s crypto scene. That includes service providers, decentralized trading platforms, ruble-backed tokens, […] The post EU sanctions Russian crypto usage for 20th time adding bans on digital rubles and anyone using Russian crypto services appeared first on CryptoSlate.
The EU adopted its 20th Russia sanctions package on April 23, 2025, adding 120 new listings and targeting crypto settlement infrastructure including service providers, decentralized platforms, ruble-backed tokens, payment agents, and digital rouble support. The package bans business with any Russian crypto asset service provider and covers decentralized platforms used to circumvent sanctions. It specifically targets A7A5 (TengriCoin/Meer.kg) and RUBx stablecoins, marking the EU's largest sanctions move against Russia in years with crypto restrictions among its most specific measures.
Beijing has warned Brussels that the EU will bear all consequences after the bloc included Chinese companies in its 20th sanctions package against Russia. China's commerce ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, accusing the EU of acting brazenly despite repeated objections. The package targets 20 Russian banks and includes anti-circumvention measures targeting third-country companies, including Chinese businesses. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe faces pressure from the US, China and Russia simultaneously.
The EU approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine and a 20th round of sanctions against Russia, ending a standoff that had blocked support for Kyiv. The loan will cover Ukraine's 2026-2027 financial needs with two-thirds for defence and the rest for budgetary support. Hungary and Slovakia dropped objections after oil flows resumed through the Druzhba pipeline. The sanctions target Russia's energy, banking and trade sectors and expand restrictions on Russia's shadow fleet.
EU leaders meet in Cyprus to discuss strengthening European defence, the potential activation of the Article 42.7 mutual assistance clause, and ongoing support for Ukraine. The summit also addresses energy price mitigation and the 'One Europe, One Market' reform plan.
President Vladimir Putin accused international sports officials of corruption and political bias for imposing sanctions on Russian athletes over the Ukraine conflict while ignoring other armed conflicts worldwide. At a Kremlin awards ceremony for boxing competitors, Putin criticized what he called selective sanctions and expressed hope that new IOC leadership would overcome this shameful legacy.
