Trotz des Weggangs von Orbán wurde das 21. EU-Sanktionspaket gegen Russland abgeschwächt. Russischer Fisch und Patriarch Kirill bleiben von Sanktionen verschont, da mehrere Länder, darunter Deutschland, die Maßnahmen bremsten.
Bulgaria's Prime Minister Rumen Radev threatened to veto EU sanctions against Russian Patriarch Kirill and former Lukoil president Vagit Alekperov, citing economic concerns and historical ties, sparking backlash from opposition parties and raising questions about Bulgaria's foreign policy alignment.
President Vladimir Putin met with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, stressing the importance of strengthening the unity and cohesion of the Russian people across all ethnicities and religions during this sensitive period. Putin also congratulated the Patriarch on his birthday.
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia expressed concern at a Russian Foreign Ministry reception about violence and pressure against Orthodox believers in Syria, where brutal attacks on Christian churches continue. He noted a similar situation in Nigeria.
