Bangladesh, July 20 -- The European Union (EU) is once again divided over how far to push sanctions against Moscow. The blocs latest effort (the 21st sanctions package) has been softened after Bulgaria vetoed key proposals. Bulgaria objected to targeting Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Vagit Alekperov, founder of Lukoil, Russias largest private oil company.

These names were removed from the draft list following Bulgarias firm stance, alongside other compromises such as the dropping of proposed restrictions on Russian fish and seafood imports, and a proposed shorter freeze on the oil price cap.

In addition, Greece is seeking exemptions to keep shipping Russian LNG to non-EU states, while Austria is still pu...