Bulgaria on Sunday banned Russian-flagged ships from its ports, a day after Italian and Romanian authorities did the same. The bans, which are in line with the EU’s latest round of anti-Russia sanctions, also apply to vessels that changed their registration after Moscow launched its military offensive in Ukraine.
“All vessels registered under Russian flag, as well as all vessels that have switched their Russian flag, or flag or maritime register registration to any other state whatsoever after Feb. 24, are forbidden access to Bulgarian maritime and river ports,” read a notice on the website of the country’s maritime administration, dated Thursday.
As of Sunday, Russian ships will also be barred from ports in Italy and Romania. Both countries released statements on Saturday mirroring the text of the Bulgarian announcement. Other countries implemented bans earlier, with Ireland announcing its own port closure last Monday, and the UK – which is not in the EU – banning Russian shipping in early March.