Bulgarian ports closed for ships from Russia

As part of the anti-Russian sanctions of the European Union, the Bulgarian authorities have banned Russian ships from entering the country's ports, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Sunday.

"All ships under the Russian flag, as well as ships that changed the Russian flag or registration to any other state after February 24, are prohibited from entering the sea and river ports of Bulgaria", the Bulgarian Maritime Administration said in a statement.

Bulgaria will make an exception for ships in distress or in need of humanitarian assistance, as well as for ships carrying energy sources, food and medicine to the EU.