Bulgaria moves to bypass sanctions against Russia
Illustrative photo: Sanctions against Russia (GettyImages)
The Bulgarian government has temporarily exempted certain purchases of Russian equipment from sanctions restrictions. The decision applies to nuclear power facilities, according to BNR News.
Government decision
The Bulgarian Cabinet of Ministers has approved an exemption from sanctions against Russia, which will allow the country to purchase equipment from Russia to ensure the operation of the country’s only nuclear power plant, Kozloduy.
This pertains to iron and steel products necessary for the plant's operation and safety. Deliveries will be made under an existing contract related to the Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant.
Why exception was made
The Bulgarian government explained the decision by noting that a significant portion of the nuclear power plant's systems and equipment is of Russian origin. Therefore, it was decided to allow the import of certain necessary products from Russia under the sanctions exemption.
The Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant is Bulgaria's only nuclear power plant and the country's largest electricity producer. It accounts for more than one-third of the country's annual electricity production.
The exception will also apply to Belene Nuclear Power Plant
Separately, the decision applies to equipment for the unfinished Belene Nuclear Power Plant. The Bulgarian National Energy Company EAD has been authorized to announce a public tender and enter into a contract with the Bulgarian subsidiary of the Russian company Atombudexport.
The contract provides for the preservation of equipment that was delivered for the first and second power units of the Belene Nuclear Power Plant.
Russia has managed to establish mass production of jet engines for drones, despite Western sanctions. According to a source in the Ukrainian air defense forces, the Russian side obtained equipment for 3D-printing turbines, similar to that used at Rolls-Royce facilities.
As a result, the production cost of jet-powered drones has been cut by at least half, to $50,000–70,000 per unit, and could fall even further in the future.
