Minister Petrova: Bulgaria ready to support expansion of sanctions against Russia today. Our reservations were taken into account.

Work is continuing on expanding the European Union's sanctions against Russia, but the required unanimous approval has not yet been achieved, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said before the start of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

Kallas expressed hope that ministers would approve the addition of another 250 individuals to the EU sanctions lists in connection with attacks on civilians in Ukraine.

Bulgaria's concerns have been taken into account, and we are ready to support the package, she said. Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev added that there is still no full agreement on the sanctions. It is clear that defending the national position does not lead to isolation. Bulgaria can achieve its objectives when it presents and defends its position with sound arguments, he said.

The Bulgarian foreign minister also announced that he will travel to Kyiv on Wednesday for meetings focused on opportunities to further strengthen Ukraine's energy security. According to him, discussions are underway on increasing gas supplies to Ukraine for next winter, while broader energy interests are also being considered.

Regarding the discussion on the Black Sea strategy scheduled for later today, he said Bulgaria and Romania are working together to protect critical infrastructure in the region and counter hybrid threats.

Separately, Kallas called for the restoration of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without the imposition of transit fees.