Bulgaria and Estonia on Sunday banned Russian-flagged ships from entering their ports as part of expanded EU sanctions, authorities in both countries said.
“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,” Bulgaria’s Maritime Administration announced on its website.
Exceptions will be made only for ships in distress or seeking humanitarian assistance, or ships transporting energy products, food and pharmaceuticals to EU countries.
Estonia also made a similar announcement, the Economic Affairs and Communications Ministry said.
Estonia’s economic minister, Taavi Aas said “Europe is rethinking its economic activities and becoming more and more independent from Russia, as “the Kremlin is showing no signs of ending its aggression”.
Italy, Belgium and Romania have also banned Russian ships from entering their ports as part of expanded EU sanctions.
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