"As longstanding and unequivocal supporters of Ukraine in the face of the illegal Russian aggression in their country, we are very concerned at media reports that a derogation granted by the EU to Bulgaria is potentially being violated and Putin’s regime may have been profiting from oil import revenues.

"We call on the Bulgarian government to urgently investigate and explore all available solutions open to it to ensure that Putin’s regime does not profit, and to close any loopholes before an extension to October 2024 is voted in the Bulgarian Parliament."

Ilhan Kyuchyuk MEP, ALDE Party co-President