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Mitrofanova admits Lukoil is considering selling its assets in Bulgaria

Photo: Embassy of Russia in Bulgaria

Lukoil's subsidiaries in Bulgaria are under unprecedented pressure and the company is considering selling assets in the country, Russian Ambassador to Sofia Eleonora Mitrofanova said in an interview with state-run RIA Novosti.

The trade turnover between Russia and Bulgaria in 2024 was 1 billion USD, which is 74% less than in 2023, Mitrofanova said, quoting data from the National Statistical Institute in Sofia. "For the first time, we are not among the 10 largest partners of Bulgaria," the ambassador said, blaming the sanctions against Russian aggression in Ukraine for this.

She claims that Bulgaria cannot replace all Russian components of the equipment of the Kozloduy NPP, although it is looking for analogues in the United States, the Czech Republic and Hungary.

Despite the lack of direct flights, over 50,000 Russian tourists visited Bulgaria in 2024. This is 10 times less than in 2019, Mitrofanova says.

Editor: Ivo Ivanov

Publication in English: Alexander Markov

Photo: Embassy of Russia in Bulgaria



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