Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that with a note dated June 1, 2022, it has not granted permission for Russian airplane carrying Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to fly over Bulgaria. The decision is in compliance with the European Union’s sanctions regime against Russia, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarifies. 

On February 25, 2022, Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov was included in the list of natural and legal persons subject to restrictive measures by the European Union.

Sergey Lavrov’s failed visit to Serbia has provoked stark reactions in Moscow. Kremlin’s Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called the actions of Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro “hostile” and added that they "won't significantly hamper the continuation of Russia's contacts with friendly countries". Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev expressed confidence that “the anti-Russian action would not be possible without the interference of Washington”.