It is extremely concerning that the largest company in Bulgaria, Lukoil Neftohim, which is part of the country's critical infrastructure, is still in the hands of a country that has declared Bulgaria a hostile state. This opinion was shared by energy expert and former Deputy Minister of Energy Elenko Bozhkov and Ruslan Stefanov, Chief Economist of the Center for the Study of Democracy, during their interview for the BNR. According to Ruslan Stefanov, the company should be placed under special supervision. "The proceeds from the sale of the company should be frozen, as Bulgaria is part of the EU’s sanctions policy, and they should be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine and for covering future claims of Bulgaria against Russia, which has violated a series of agreements with Bulgaria", Ruslan Stefanov said.

At the end of 2023, Lukoil announced that it had begun reviewing its asset strategy in Bulgaria, including the possibility of selling its refinery there due to significant changes in operating conditions.

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