Italy has aligned itself with Bulgaria in voicing concerns regarding the European Union’s plans to sanction Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, who backs President Vladimir Putin’s military actions in Ukraine, as reported by POLITICO on Friday.
As part of the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia, European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas proposed a visa ban for Kirill, an ally of Putin, who has repeatedly praised and justified Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to News.ro.
This proposal has met with objections from Bulgaria, which has a significant Orthodox population, as well as a diplomatic “reservation” from Italy, signaling concerns that require resolution without resorting to a veto.
Italy’s apprehensions are linked to the Vatican and focus on the implications of sanctioning the leader of a Christian denomination, according to one diplomat.
An Italian permanent representative to the EU declined to comment.
Other Disagreements Over the 21st EU Sanctions Package Against Russia
EU diplomats have also discussed a proposal to freeze the price cap on Russian oil sales, currently set at $44 per barrel. Kallas’ office is suggesting to delay the review of the price cap, which is scheduled for mid-July and would automatically increase if no action is taken.
Greece, Malta, and Cyprus—all countries with substantial maritime transport sectors that service Russian vessels—have opposed delaying the price cap review, according to the same diplomats. Greece and Malta had previously resisted a proposal to ban the provision of maritime services to Russian ships, leading to the suspension of that proposal.
Another point of contention is the proposal to prohibit entry into the EU for former Russian combatants. France and Italy have expressed their concerns regarding this issue, according to the same diplomats.
The 21st sanctions package, presented by Kallas on June 9, targets the military-industrial and financial sectors of Russia that support its war against Ukraine. The combination of sanctions and long-range Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s oil refining sector is impacting the country’s economy, with two-thirds of Russia’s 83 regions reporting fuel supply issues.
